Allies in Development signs Service Level Agreement with Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education to strengthen violence prevention and safeguarding in Sierra Leone’s education system
Freetown, Sierra Leone | March 3 2026
Allies in Development (AiD) is pleased to announce the signing of a Service Level Agreement (SLA) with the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE) in Sierra Leone for the implementation of the project:
“Strengthening Violence Prevention and Response Policies in the Sierra Leone Education System.”
The three-year initiative (2026–2029) will be implemented in collaboration with MBSSE and civil society partners to strengthen prevention and response mechanisms for school-related sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).
The partnership represents an important step toward advancing coordinated safeguarding approaches within Sierra Leone’s education sector and supporting safer learning environments where children and young people are protected from violence.
A three-level approach to strengthening violence prevention in schools
Recognizing that preventing school-related SGBV requires action beyond individual awareness, the initiative adopts a three-level approach that addresses the policy environment, institutional systems, and student empowerment.
1. Strengthening Policy and Systems
At the policy level, AiD will work with MBSSE and civil society partners to support policy dialogue, evidence generation, and collaborative advocacy aimed at strengthening education sector policies and frameworks related to safeguarding and violence prevention.
Through engagement with key stakeholders, the initiative seeks to contribute to reforms that improve accountability, strengthen prevention measures, and enhance response mechanisms for cases of violence affecting children.
2. Strengthening School Safeguarding Systems and Institutional Capacity
At the institutional level, the initiative will support schools and education stakeholders to strengthen their capacity to prevent and respond to violence.
Key areas of focus will include:
- Strengthening school safeguarding mechanisms and protection systems;
- Supporting teachers and education personnel with knowledge and skills to identify, prevent, and respond to school-related violence;
- Promoting improved referral pathways and coordination between schools and relevant protection actors.
By strengthening the capacity of schools and education stakeholders, the initiative aims to create learning environments where children are safer and where concerns related to violence can be identified and addressed effectively.
3. Empowering Students Through Knowledge and Violence Prevention Education
At the student level, the initiative will support children and young people with information and skills to understand their rights, recognize risks, seek support, and participate in creating safer school environments.
Through age-appropriate violence prevention education, students will be supported to:
- Understand different forms of violence, including sexual and gender-based violence;
- Recognize unsafe situations and potential risks;
- Understand available reporting and support mechanisms;
- Build confidence to seek help when they or their peers experience harm.
Partnership for sustainable change
Preventing school-related sexual and gender-based violence requires coordinated action between government institutions, civil society organizations, schools, communities, and young people themselves.
Through collaboration with MBSSE and civil society partners, Allies in Development seeks to contribute to a more comprehensive and sustainable approach to safeguarding within Sierra Leone’s education system.
This initiative builds on AiD’s commitment to preventing violence against women and girls, strengthening child protection systems, and promoting environments where children and young people can learn, participate, and thrive safely.
Looking ahead
Over the three-year implementation period, Allies in Development will work alongside partners to advance policy dialogue, strengthen institutional capacity, and promote evidence-informed approaches to preventing and responding to school-related violence.
By connecting policy reform, stronger safeguarding systems, and student empowerment, this initiative aims to contribute to an education system where every child can learn in an environment that protects their safety, dignity, and rights.
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