The Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone (HRCSL) submitted a report to the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE) detailing the state of correctional centres across the country.
Commissioner Simitie Lavaly disclosed that inspections of 20 prisons revealed most lack formal education programmes, a gap affecting over 5,000 inmates. She noted that only a few structured learning initiatives exist, such as those run by the University of Makeni (UNIMAK), while most facilities offer only basic literacy. Lavaly stressed that inmates have a constitutional and international right to education under the UN Nelson Mandela Rules. She warned that without skills training, reoffending rates rise, and she called for prison education to be integrated into national policy and planning.
Director of Science Education at MTHE, Fatmata Kaiwa, said educating inmates is essential for reintegration. She confirmed plans to expand prison learning programmes nationwide in collaboration with universities and the Correctional Service, though funding and data gaps remain challenges.
Director of Monitoring and Evaluation at MTHE, Christiana Samu, linked the findings to national development goals and stated that prison education will now be included in the ministry’s revised five-year strategic plan, with stronger institutional coordination.
HRCSL also raised concerns about rising drug abuse, particularly “kush,” among young people, noting that many affected are aged 14 to 15 and have dropped out of school. Officials called for urgent, coordinated action to address the crisis and protect youth.
The Commission urged immediate but strategic reforms to expand education in correctional and probation centres, emphasising that imprisonment should not end opportunities for learning and rehabilitation.
Correspondent-Richard Williams
Ministry of Technical and Higher Education
