SLTU Urges Government to Settle Outstanding School Fee Subsidies

By Mackie M. Jalloh

The Sierra Leone Teachers Union (SLTU) has issued a strong condemnation of the government’s continued delay in paying overdue school fee subsidies for the 2023/2024 academic year. In a letter dated July 30, 2024, and addressed directly to the Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, Conrad Sackey, the Union expressed its deep frustration with the Ministry’s failure to release the much-needed funds.

The SLTU, representing the voice of teachers across the country, has made it clear that the government’s delay in fulfilling its obligations is unacceptable and threatens to destabilize the upcoming school year.

“On the directive of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Sierra Leone Teachers Union, I write to draw your attention to the non-payment of school fees subsidy for third term 2023/2024 school year,” the ‘leaked’ letter stated. The timing of this communication is critical, as schools are currently closed and preparations for the 2024/2025 academic year are underway.

The Union’s ‘leaked’ letter leaves no room for doubt about the seriousness of the situation. The delay in payments has not only caused financial strain on schools but has also undermined the confidence of teachers and administrators in the Ministry’s commitment to supporting education. “The Union is urging the Ministry for payment of the outstanding school fees subsidy before the re-opening of schools,” the letter continued.

The SLTU’s demand is not just about the money—it’s about ensuring the stability and continuity of the education system. The Union emphasized that these payments are crucial for maintaining the operational flow of schools and ensuring that students have access to the resources they need from the very first day of the new school term. “It is expected that school fees subsidy should always be paid before or at the commencement of every school term,” the Union noted, highlighting a standard that the Ministry has repeatedly failed to meet.

As the start of the new school year approaches, the SLTU is growing increasingly impatient. The Union’s leadership has made it clear that further delays will not be tolerated. “We look forward to the urgent payment of the backlog fees in order to ensure the smooth re-opening of schools,” the letter concluded, serving as both a reminder and a warning to the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education.

The government’s inaction on this matter is a disservice to Sierra Leone’s educational sector, and it is high time that the Ministry of Education and its officials take responsibility for their commitments. The SLTU’s call for immediate action should not go unheeded if the government is truly committed to advancing education in the country.