Freetown, Sierra Leone– In a resounding effort to safeguard the future of the nation’s education, "The Sierra Leone We Want" (SLWW), in a powerful partnership with the National Council for Civic Education, Development and Democracy (NACCEDD), has successfully concluded a transformative campaign against examination malpractice in schools across Freetown. The initiative, which reached thousands of students, educators, and community members, has been hailed as a critical step towards restoring dignity and integrity to the heart of the nation's academic landscape.
The multi-week campaign, titled "My Success, My Integrity," moved beyond simple admonitions against cheating. It engaged students in critical conversations about the very purpose of education. Through interactive workshops, riveting testimonies from past students, and compelling presentations, the team tackled the issue at its root.
"We recognized that simply telling students 'do not cheat' was insufficient," explained Samuel (Wise) Bangura, SLWW National Coordinator. "Our mission was to rebuild the very foundation of their academic journey. We instilled a sense of pride in earning one's success through hard work. We emphasized that the value of an education isn't in the certificate alone, but in the knowledge, character, and capability built along the way."
Central to the campaign's message was the concept of consequences. Students were confronted with the stark reality that cheating is a short-cut to a long-term failure. A doctor who cheated through medical school, an engineer who falsified their results—these are not just hypotheticals, but real dangers that compromise public safety, national development, and personal credibility.
"The most powerful moment was when students themselves began articulating how exam malpractice devalues their own efforts and the qualifications of every Sierra Leonean graduate," shared Moses Moore-Conteh Esq. Executive Secretary of SLWW. "They understood that they are not just students; they are the future doctors, engineers, and leaders of this nation. Their integrity today defines the integrity of our country tomorrow."
The response from school administrations and students has been overwhelmingly positive. Principals reported a noticeable shift in student discourse, with a renewed emphasis on study groups and a collective commitment to upholding academic honesty.
"I used to think the goal was just to pass, by any means," confessed Momoh Fofanah, a senior student at a participating school. "But this campaign made me see that I am cheating myself and my future. The pride I feel when I solve a difficult problem on my own is something no stolen answer can ever give me."
"The Sierra Leone We Want" is a nation built on merit, hard work, and unwavering integrity. This successful campaign marks a significant milestone in that journey. By planting the seeds of honesty in the minds of the youth, the partnership between SLWW and NACCEDD is not just fighting exam malpractice; it is actively building a more credible, capable, and prosperous Sierra Leone for all.
