Children Can Now Attend School for Free Here

Sierra Leone has just expanded its education system to guarantee 13 years of free schooling for children.

As of now, international treaties only prioritize the right to free education at the primary level. Studies suggest, however, that pre-primary education – schooling that takes place in the early years when children’s brains are rapidly developing – has profound long-term developmental benefits.

Not only does additional education lead to more significant development, but free education coincides with significantly higher rates of children in school, a UNESCO report finds. After a governmental program saw enrollment levels surge from 2 million students in 2018 to 3.1 million students by 2021 in Sierra Leone, the country declared 13 years of free schooling for children as part of its national law.