Freetown, Sierra Leone – 24 July 2025: A transformative initiative aimed at enhancing learning environments for thousands of students across Sierra Leone was officially launched today in Freetown by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in collaboration with the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE), the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE), and the Government of China through the Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund (GDF).

The USD 2 million project, titled "Enhancing Access to Quality Education in Sierra Leone through Furniture Provision in Schools and Higher Learning Institutions," will supply more than 14,700 sets of desks and chairs to primary and secondary schools, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) centres, and universities across thirteen districts. The initiative is designed to create safe, inclusive, and student-friendly learning spaces that foster improved academic outcomes and promote gender equality.

The launch ceremony was presided over by Professor Alpha Wurie, Presidential Advisor on Human Capital Development, and attended by senior government officials, education stakeholders, and development partners.

Since the launch of the Free Quality School Education (FQSE) Programme in 2018, Sierra Leone has made significant progress in expanding access to education. Anchored in the Medium-Term National Development Plan (2024–2030), the government continues to prioritize human capital development as a driver of sustainable national growth. However, challenges such as overcrowded classrooms, inadequate infrastructure, and the lack of basic furniture persist, limiting the quality of learning and student retention.

This new initiative directly addresses those gaps, aiming to improve the educational experience for approximately 7,770 primary and secondary school students, 4,000 TVET learners, and 3,000 university students.

Speaking at the launch, Mr. Fredrick Ampiah, UNDP Resident Representative, emphasized the importance of education in national development. He said, “Education is not only a right but the foundation of human capital development and long-term economic growth. When people are able to access quality education, they can break the cycle of poverty.”

H.E. Wang Qing, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Sierra Leone, reaffirmed China’s ongoing commitment to Sierra Leone’s development aspirations.

“As a time-honoured and long-standing dependable partner of Sierra Leone, China will continue to place development at the forefront of its agenda, aligning with the Five Big Game Changers and the Medium-Term National Development Plan 2024 -2030, to deliver more tangible cooperation outcomes for both countries.”- H.E. Wang Qing said.

Hon. Conrad Sackey, Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, framed the project as part of a broader national vision. He said, “This initiative is part of a grander vision championed by His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio through the Free Quality Education programme. Under his leadership, more than two million children have been given the opportunity to pursue their education free from financial barriers. This is leadership with compassion. This is policy that puts people first.”

Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie, Minister of Technical and Higher Education, highlighted the importance of learning environments in shaping student outcomes. She observed, “Proper learning spaces are the bedrock of quality education. A comfortable seat, a sturdy desk, and a well-organized classroom shape how students see themselves, how they engage with learning, and even how long they remain in school.”

About the Project
The project is jointly implemented by UNDP Sierra Leone and UNDP China, with funding from the Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund (GDF). It supports Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4): Ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all.

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For media inquiries, please contact:
Janet Alamisi Dabire 
Communications Specialist, UNDP Sierra Leone
Email: Janet Alamisi Dabire 
Phone: +232 30968950