Ahead of the reopening of schools in September, parents across Freetown have expressed dismay over the hike in prices of school materials. Whereas, traders have also indicated that they sell based on how they buy their goods from the wholesalers.
Edna May, a parent of two children told me that she could not buy all the school materials she needed for her children, noting that the prices of these materials such as bag, uniform, among others have gone up considerably.
May expressed dismay over what her understanding of the free quality education was and what obtains. “My understanding was that our children will be provided with the necessary school materials, but nothing like that, except the tuition fee and a few books,” she lamented.
Khadijatu Saccoh, another parent of three disclosed that her three children will reuse their old school bags, noting that she hadn’t the means to provide same. Saccoh looks forward to seeing a decrease in the prices of school materials.
Saccoh revealed that she had been struggling with her three children ever since she lost her husband, adding that she hadn’t any support from her husband’s family nor did she receive any support from his own relations.
She told me that she looks forward to receiving support to better take care of her children.
On the other hand, Mariatu Turay, who sells school materials, such as a bag, shoe, and uniform told me that the reason why she is continuing to sell these materials is because she does not want to sit oddly at home, adding that she does not realize anything substantial as profit.
Saidu Bangura, a book seller gave similar remarks. Bangura added that these days he struggled a lot to cater for his children because business is not as usual.
It is not unusual here in Freetown to experience a change or hike in price of school materials, especially when schools are expected to be re-opened in a few weeks time. However, this year’s price increase seems to be worse.
The President Bio led government, in their 2018 manifesto promised to provide learning materials, but what is being provided seems inadequate, for many are of the view that what is being provided does not reflect their expectation.
While government is saying that it has delivered as promised, many are of the view that it has not done much.
The Minister of Trade, Edward Hinga Sandy who could not be reached, had earlier articulated that what we are experiencing is a global crisis. Dandy calls for calm, adding that world has had two shocks (Covid-19 and Russia, Ukraine war).
Executive Director, Citizen’s Advocacy Network, Thomas Moore Conteh, commends government for its radical inclusion policy. However, he noted that government has to do more in the education sector in terms of providing the necessary school learning materials, noting that not all parents can afford it.
Head of the Women’s Wing, Ahmed Tejan Kabbah Foundation for Peace, Tolerance and Democracy, Dzuliatu Hamid stressed the need to capacitate women in Sierra Leone, noting that they are most vulnerable.
She recommends that illiterate women should venture into agriculture rather than engaging in some non-profit venture. She urged government to create better policies that will cover women across all sectors.
This story was put together with support from Journalist for Human Rights (JHR) and the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ).
By Sulaiman Sesay
