ACC engages MEST staff and heads of schools in Magburaka
In its determination to address public concerns relating to corrupt practices in schools, the Northern Regional office of the Anti-Corruption Commission has on Monday 12th March 2012 engaged staff of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MEST), Principals and Head Teachers in Magburaka, Kholifa Rowalla Chiefdom, Tonkolili District. (Photo: ACC Manager North handing over educational materials to the Dept. Director Tonkolili for distribution of Ministry Officials)
The engagement was an interactive meeting at the Teachers’ Resource Centre in Magburaka to map out the way forward in a bid to enhance compliance to the education policy and transparency and accountability in the running of the schools.
(l-r) Umarr A Bah Dept Director MEST Tomkolili, ACC Regional Manager North Patrick Sandi, and Al Hassan Sesay, Pubilc Education Officer
In his welcome address, Deputy Director of Schools, Tonkolili District Mr. Umarr Alusine Bah expressed appreciation to ACC for bringing the Commission closer to them. He noted that such engagement will go a long way to minimize corruption in the schools. The Deputy Director praised the Commission for according them the opportunity to learn more about the Commission and what they should not do.
District Coordinator, Tonkolili Abdulai Saccoh explaining the purpose of the engagement
Explaining the rationale for the meeting, ACC’s District Coordinator for Tonkolili, Abdulai Saccoh said it was meant to provide guidance to MEST staff and heads of schools so that they would not come in conflict with the law and also remind them of their roles, responsibilities and how corrupt practices in their operations can impact negatively on the education sector. He noted that the engagement was part of the Commission’s public education and preventive approach in the fight against corruption. The District Coordinator furthered that the fight against corruption is a national concern and that ACC alone cannot fight corruption in the country, adding that one of the core values of the Commission is coalition building and partnership. He therefore urged them to partner with the Commission in order to eradicate corruption in the education sector.
The Tonkolili District Coordinator further explained the various methods of making reports to the Commission and the protection mechanisms for informers. He emphasized the Commission’s core value of confidentiality and professionalism and stressed that if the fight against corruption is to succeed, they must be ready to report corruption. Saccoh explained the 10% reward package and read out the Commission’s mobile hotlines.
Giving an overview of the Commission, Public Education Officer, Al-Hassan Sesay emphasized that the ACC is not witch hunting any body or institution but intervening wherever there are possible loopholes for corruption. He lamented that one of the main factors inhibiting the provision and delivery of effective services in the schools is the sustained presence of corruption. The Public Education Officer reminded all staff of MEST and heads of schools present at the meeting that they have very crucial roles to play if the standard of education in Sierra Leone is to improve.
Sesay noted that the ACC is very determined to regain the former status of the country’s educational sector that is why it is making meaningful interventions. Emphasizing on the need for collaboration, he explained that the ACC has constructed an ‘Integrity BOAT’ that will ferry Sierra Leone from the shores of underdevelopment to that of development. In order to get on board the BOAT, Mr. Sesay told staff of MEST and heads of schools that they have to forgo their corrupt Behaviors, Opinions, Attitudes and Thoughts. He therefore urged them to not only board the ‘Integrity BOAT’, but to also resist, reject and report corruption for the betterment of Sierra Leone. The Public Education Officer further explained to them the public education, prevention and confrontational approaches used by the Commission in leading the fight against corruption in the country.
Regional Manager ACC North, Patrick Sandi highlighting to education stakeholders some offences in the AC Act 2008 (1)
Explaining the offences and penalties as enshrined in the Anti-Corruption Act of 2008, ACC’s Regional Manager, North, Patrick Sandi used the occasion to extend thanks and appreciation on behalf of the Commissioner and Commission to all present for supporting the work of the Commission. He noted that the education sector is very strategic in the development of Sierra Leone, which explains why it was important they came together to map out the way forward. Manager Sandi in very strong terms urged them to be mindful of the fact that in as much as the ACC educates and prevents, it also punishes corrupt individuals.
He said the schools have been plagued with extra charges and corrupt practices such as: misappropriation of the Girl Child funds, school fees subsidies, examination malpractices, illegal admission and promotions, falsification of examination results, payment for collection of report cards and BECE/WASSE results among many others. The Regional Manager explained some of the offences in the 2008 Act that have bearing with school authorities like influencing a public officer, misappropriation of donor or public funds or property, soliciting and accepting advantage, possession of unexplained wealth, receiving gifts for corrupt purposes. Mr. Sandi maintained that the punishment for any of the offences is a fine of not less than thirty (30) million Leones or imprisonment for a term not less than three (3) years or both fine and prison term.
Cross section of MEST staff and head teachers listening to ACC staff
Representing the Chairman, Conference of Principals, Mr. Francis M. Saccoh expressed happiness to ACC for enabling them understand the offences. He admitted that such face to face dialogue is very important as constant guidance and monitoring is vital to the operations of their institutions.
On behalf of his colleague teachers, Chairman Head Teachers Council, Mr. Idriss M. Sankoh expressed commitment in joining the ACC in the fight against corruption. He promised to relay all what was said in the meeting to his colleagues and will abide by the warnings.
In his statement, Vice President of Sierra Leone Teachers Union (SLTU), Northern Region, Mr. Rashid Koroma said “ACC has come to save us if only we accept and comply. Let us see it as our responsibility to move Sierra Leone forward”. He pledged SLTU’s commitment in supporting ACC and advised his colleague teachers to pay heed to the admonishments
Delivering the vote of thanks, Ms. Zainab Y. Koroma, Head Teacher, SDA Primary School, Magburaka admitted that the meeting is timely and good for all. On behalf of all her colleagues present, she assured that they would put into practice all what they have heard and learnt.
The meeting was climaxed by questions and answers session.
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