Freetown 17th November 2025- A new education initiative is set to transform learning in Sierra Leone, giving students the chance to graduate with both an international diploma and the national curriculum. The project, unveiled by Ecole Louis Legrand at a press briefing in Freetown, promises to raise academic standards and expand opportunities for global mobility.
Founder Sawssan Alayche said the idea was born out of frustration with persistent challenges in the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), including delayed results and withheld grades. “When I heard of students missing exam numbers or waiting endlessly for results, I felt compelled to design a fairer, more reliable pathway,” she explained.
The programme is structured to complement the WASSCE rather than replace it. Over 194 school days, junior secondary students will study seven core subjects, while senior students will choose from a wide range of courses, 17 compulsory and 13 electives, spanning History, Science, French, and more. Learning will blend online instruction with in‑person sessions at partner schools.
Quality assurance is central to the model. All instructors are certified by Ontario’s College of Teachers, and each course includes up to 46 hours of live online teaching. Vice‑president May‑Marie Duwai‑Sowa, who also heads SierraCan, highlighted the role of technology in bridging gaps. “Smart classrooms will allow even remote communities to connect. Our vision is to scale beyond the 16 pilot schools and ensure no child is left behind,” she said.
Tuition fees range from $350 to $500 per course, with specialist programmes costing up to $4,000. Importantly, 10% of all fees will be shared with partner schools, creating a new revenue stream for local institutions.
Recognising Sierra Leone’s infrastructure challenges, Alayche announced plans for a 5G partnership with the Directorate of Science and Technology. Offline access to course materials will also be provided to counter unreliable electricity and internet.
She revealed that the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education is aware of the initiative, which is now open for registration. The first cohort is expected to graduate in June 2026.
