In an effort to strengthen the fight against corruption in Sierra Leone's education sector, the Executive Director of the Zero Corruption Campaign (ZCC), Elison John, along with his team, paid a courtesy visit to the Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, Mr. Conrad Sackey, on February 5th, 2024. The visit aimed to congratulate the Minister on his recent appointment, reinvigorate the partnership between ZCC and the Ministry, and strategize on collaborative approaches to address corruption challenges in education.

During the meeting, the ZCC delegation commended Minister Sackey for his commitment to tackling corruption, particularly in addressing examination malpractice. Minister Sackey, in turn, acknowledged the vital role played by ZCC in advocating for integrity and transparency in the education sector. He emphasized the importance of collective efforts in combating corruption and restoring Sierra Leone's reputation as a hub of educational excellence in West Africa.

Mr. Elison John reiterated ZCC's dedication to safeguarding public resources invested in education and pledged to continue advocating for accountability and ethical conduct within the sector. He highlighted past initiatives undertaken by ZCC and its partners to promote integrity in schools and colleges across the country. Additionally, Mr. John emphasized the need for ongoing collaboration between ZCC and the Ministry to effectively address corruption challenges, particularly in monitoring public examinations and conducting public awareness campaigns.

Following constructive discussions, both parties identified key areas for collaboration, including enhanced monitoring of public examinations and intensified public education efforts to combat examination malpractice. They also agreed to formalize their partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), underscoring their shared commitment to promoting transparency and accountability in education.

The Zero Corruption Campaign (ZCC) is a youth-led civil society organization dedicated to instilling values of patriotism and integrity among young people in Sierra Leone. Recognized as an official partner of the Anti-Corruption Commission of Sierra Leone (ACC), ZCC has been actively engaged in advocating against corruption and examination malpractice since 2022, in alignment with its mandate to promote good governance and accountability in public institutions.

The collaborative efforts between ZCC and the Ministry of Education represent a significant step towards fostering a culture of integrity and ethical conduct within Sierra Leone's education system. By working together, they aim to uphold the principles of transparency, fairness, and excellence in education, thereby contributing to the country's socio-economic development and future prosperity.