About
Since 2019, EdTech Hub has been working in Sierra Leone to support the government in improving education through the use of technology. We work in close partnership with the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE), the Teaching Service Commission (TSC), and the Directorate of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI). Our work spans system strengthening, research, and innovation, with a focus on learning continuity, data use, and inclusive education.
Sierra Leone’s first-ever National Digital Learning Strategy developed by EdTech Hub, is a bold, system-wide reform agenda guided by one central conviction: that every child, regardless of geography, gender, or socio-economic background, deserves access to quality, relevant, and future-ready education.”
– Minister Sackey, Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education of Sierra Leone
Bridging the Gap
The challenge
Sierra Leone has made strong progress in expanding access to education and investing in digital infrastructure. Building on this momentum, there is scope to further strengthen learning outcomes, particularly in rural and underserved areas where teachers and learners often have limited access to teaching and learning materials. Addressing the uneven deployment of qualified teachers, especially in hard-to-reach areas, will be key to ensuring all learners benefit equally. As the government scales up digital learning initiatives, there is a need to ensure they are coherent, evidence-based, and targeted to the needs of those they aim to serve — which is where EdTech Hub adds value.
How EdTech Hub Helps
EdTech Hub supports the government in addressing these challenges by helping to build coordination mechanisms, generating and applying evidence, and strengthening capacity to scale what works. We work closely with the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE), the Teaching Service Commission, and other stakeholders to co-develop strategies, tools, and policies that impactfully embed EdTech into national systems. Our country team provides hands-on support to ensure that EdTech investments address the real needs of learners, teachers, and decision-makers.
Key themes
- Data for Decisions
- Participation and Messaging
- Teacher Continuous Professional Development
Latest Insights from Our Work
Timeline of Activities
2021
- EdTech Hub’s Sierra Leone country team begins technical support to MBSSE.
- EdTech Hub supported the development of the One Tablet Per School (OTPS) programme and contributed to the development of Sierra Leone’s Digital Learning Strategy.
2022–Ongoing
Supporting the TSC with a post-deployment survey to assess retention of teachers deployed using the algorithm and a capacity audit of the TSC independently manage and operate the algorithm.
2022
EdTech Hub co-hosted the first national EdTech Policy Dialogue with MBSSE.
The Impact of a Geographic Information Systems (GIS)-supported Preference Matching Algorithm on Teacher Allocation in Sierra Leone
Exploring how a GIS-supported preference matching algorithm can support equitable teacher allocation.
Reports, Blogs, Case Studies and More
Building Foundational Learning through Technology in Sierra Leone — Evaluating the Efficacy and Cost-effectiveness of Two EdTech Models
This study evaluated the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of three implementation modalities for One Billion’s onecourse: standard (one-tablet-per-learner), tablet-sharing (one tablet shared by two learners), and projector (whole class). This intervention…
Getting Teachers Where They’re Needed Most: Insights from Sierra Leone’s GIS-Supported Preference Matching Algorithm
This summary discusses the conversation from a virtual meeting that covers lessons and what worked with the Sierra Leone GIS preference matching algorithm and lessons from other regions including South…
Transforming Teacher Deployment: Lessons from a matching algorithm tool
Sierra Leone, like many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), faces persistent challenges in deploying qualified teachers across its schools equitably. In 2024, the Teaching Service Commission (TSC), with support…
Shifting Power Dynamics in Education Decision-Making: Investigating the role of a matching algorithm to improve teacher deployment in Sierra Leone
This report is part of the multi-year EdTech-Hub-Led project (HLR 3) on the Impact of GIS-Supported Teacher Allocation in Sierra Leone where EdTech Hub and research partners Fab Inc…
Sierra Leone Digital Learning Landscape Analysis: Developing the National Digital Learning Strategy
In 2024, the World Bank submitted a request to EdTech Hub’s Helpdesk to support the Government of Sierra Leone in developing a National Digital Learning Strategy. The Hub initiated…
How Do In-Service Communities of Practice Support Teacher Learning and What Role Can EdTech Play?
This Learning Brief is part of the EdTech Hub Learning Brief Series, providing practical resources for people working to improve the use of technology in education. In this brief,…
Getting Teachers Where They’re Needed Most
Insights on Sierra Leone’s GIS-Supported Preference Matching Algorithm, presented by experts from The Learning Generation Initiative, Sierra Leone Teaching Service Commission, Inter-American Development Bank, and Fab Inc.
Meet the Team
Evidence for Decision-Making
Explore our full publications library on Sierra Leone to support policy and practice.
Delivering Change Together
A look at our key in-country partnerships and collaborative efforts.
Government of Sierra Leone (MBSSE, TSC and Ministry of Communication)
| EdTech Hub has been working in Sierra Leone since 2019, partnering closely with the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE). The relationship began through joint efforts to strengthen the education system using technology.
We have also worked closely with the Teaching Service Commission (TSC) to strengthen teacher deployment processes in Sierra Leone by introducing a data-driven, GIS-supported matching algorithm. This collaboration aimed to improve the equitable and efficient placement of newly qualified teachers by matching them to schools based on subject needs, geographic location, and teacher preferences, while addressing long-standing challenges such as oversubscription in urban areas and shortages in remote schools. Similarly, the Hub has collaborated with the Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation (MoCTI) as a member of the steering committee for the development of the National Digital Learning Strategy (NDLS). Through this engagement, MoCTI provided strategic guidance and technical expertise. |
Fab Inc.
| Fab Inc.’s partnership with EdTech Hub began in 2020. Since then, they have supported the Hub in developing a combined database of the Annual School Census and with support to the Teaching Service Commission to improve teacher deployment in Sierra Leone through data analysis, algorithm design, and policy guidance. |
Rising Academies
| Rising Academies has worked with EdTech Hub since 2023 on the Districts of Excellence project, introducing structured coaching, real-time data tools, and EdTech solutions to strengthen district capacity and improve foundational literacy and numeracy in selected schools. |
Learning Generation Initiative (LGI)
| LGI has collaborated with EdTech Hub since 2022 on teacher deployment reforms in Sierra Leone, contributing local expertise, data, and insights to strengthen the placement process. |
Leh Wi Lan/Cambridge Education
| EdTech Hub partnered with Leh Wi Lan under the SSEIP II programme to provide technical assistance in testing technology-enabled approaches for improving school support and leadership. This included designing, piloting, and evaluating remote support modalities for School Quality Assurance Officers (SQAOs) to increase the frequency and quality of monitoring, especially for hard-to-reach schools. |
EducAid
| EducAid has partnered with EdTech Hub since 2023 on the Districts of Excellence project in Port Loko, using video-based coaching and EdTech tools to strengthen the capacity of MBSSE officials to improve teaching quality and foundational literacy and numeracy. |
Global Partners
