1. Financial Burdens on Families: Private schools have increasingly introduced mandatory extra classes for students who are preparing for national examinations, such as the NPSE and BECE, and pupils who are in classes four(4) These additional classes often come with fees, typically starting at Nle. 80 and 200, which can place an overwhelming financial burden on families already struggling to meet basic needs. Parents unable to afford these fees face severe repercussions, including threats of physical punishment directed at their children.

2. Corporal Punishment as Discipline: Despite national laws prohibiting corporal punishment in educational settings, many private institutions continue to use this form of discipline. Numerous reports from parents and school pupils indicate that teachers physically punish them for failing to attend these extra classes or meet informal financial demands. Such practices not only cause immediate physical pain but also have lasting psychological effects, fostering an environment of fear and anxiety that undermines the educational experience.

3. Absence of Child Safeguarding Policies: A significant concern is the lack of formal child safeguarding policies in many private schools. While the Ministry of Education has established guidelines to protect children from abuse, compliance with these standards is inconsistent. Many teachers lack training in child rights and safeguarding practices, thereby increasing the risk of harm to school pupils.

4. Impact on Child Development: The adverse effects of these practices extend beyond immediate physical harm. Research has shown that children who experience violence or abuse are at a higher risk for poor academic performance, mental health challenges, and lifelong emotional difficulties. The current climate in many private schools stifles creativity, hinders academic achievement, and diminishes children's overall potential.

5. Community Concerns and Advocacy: parents and community members have voiced serious concerns regarding practices in private schools. Advocacy groups, including the Future Leaders Initiative SL and others, have noted a lack of accountability in the operations of these institutions, which often disregard fundamental safeguarding measures and child welfare guidelines. There is a growing demand for comprehensive reforms to ensure the protection and dignity of all students.

Through this petition, we aim to address these critical issues by advocating for the establishment of “No Hit Zones” in schools, the formation of a Child Protection Task Force (CPTF), and the implementation of mandatory safeguarding policies. We must act decisively to safeguard the rights and well-being of every child in Sierra Leone.

In Sierra Leone, according to the National Ebola Response Centre, over eight thousand have been infected and over two thousand nine hundred have died of the Ebola virus.

Since the outbreak and for the period to October 2014, the government has expended in excess of Le84 billion. These were funds donated by institutions and individuals mostly within Sierra Leone and from tax revenues. The funds have been spent on personal protective equipment, medical sup-plies, consumables and incentive (hazard) payments to healthcare workers.

In order to ensure that these funds have been judiciously accounted for, there has been the need to audit the use of these funds.

It is our conviction that for this office to effectively deliver on the above expectations it must be occupied by someone that understands the intricacies and diversity of and commands respect amongst the diaspora community, across tribal, cultural, religious and political spectrum. Someone with the right administrative and proven leadership qualities.