Quality Education in Sierra Leone and Liberia

Walton Jr is a JSS3 student at Rising Academy. Before going to school each day, Walton wakes up early to fetch water. Then he cleans the house and prepares for school.

Throughout his day, many things stand out to Walton as different from his previous school. For one, teachers don’t use corporal punishment. Instead, they set clear expectations for classroom behaviour and enforce them through detention and community service activities.

According to Walton, the system of teaching at Rising is unlike anything he experienced in the past. “The way and manner teachers teach their pupils is totally different”. Students are encouraged to participate in their lessons by asking questions, demonstrating their understanding in their own words, and sharing their opinions. Students often work in small groups, with faster learners supporting students who are struggling.

In Walton’s previous school, he had to sit quietly, copy notes from the blackboard, and could only speak if the teacher called on him. He would have to repeat exactly what he had copied down and would never dare ask a question if he didn’t understand. But at Rising, “teachers will teach you to understand. No matter how many times, if you don’t understand then the teacher will explain to you.”

Ultimately what Walton believes sets Rising apart the most are the school’s values – the 4 Hs. The values of happiness, hardwork, honesty and helpfulness are uniquely Rising. “The school I was previously attending was not having these values. These help greatly to a student’s life." The values are like a compass that point students in the right direction, both at school but also in their lives outside of school. Walton now sees hard work as the key to his success and believes he must be helpful and honest with others along the way.

When asked what his advice would be to students in primary school, Walton says “Be serious with education. Do not discriminate against students or teachers but look up to the values of Rising”. For Walton, taking his studies seriously and living out the 4Hs every day means he will be a better person in the future. “This is how I will make my parents proud.”