ISSN (Online): 2321-3418
server-injected
Education And Language
Open Access

Barriers to Educational Attainment among Youth in Sierra Leone: A Demographic and Socio-Economic Analysis

DOI: 10.18535/ijsrm/v13i09.el08· Pages: 4352-4360· Vol. 13, No. 09, (2025)· Published: September 20, 2025
PDF
Views: 437 PDF downloads: 145

Abstract

This study provides an in-depth analysis of the demographic profiles, educational backgrounds, and barriers faced by youth aged 15-35 in Sierra Leone, with a focus on understanding the challenges contributing to low educational attainment. The data, collected from 150 respondents, reveals that a significant proportion of the youth come from low-income, rural backgrounds with limited access to quality education. Predominant barriers include financial constraints, infrastructural deficiencies, health issues, and lack of support systems, which collectively hinder educational progression. The findings underscore the urgent need for targeted policies aimed at improving access, infrastructure, and socio-economic support to enhance educational outcomes among Sierra Leonean youth.

Keywords

Educational BarriersRural YouthSocio-economic Challenges and Access and Infrastructure

References

  1. UNESCO. (2020). Global Education Monitoring Report 2020: Inclusion and education: All means all. UNESCO Publishing.Google Scholar ↗
  2. World Bank. (2019). Sierra Leone Education Sector Analysis. Washington, DC: World Bank. Retrieved from https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/sierraleoneGoogle Scholar ↗
  3. Ministry of Education Sierra Leone. (2021). National Education Policy Framework. Freetown: Government of Sierra Leone.Google Scholar ↗
  4. UNICEF Sierra Leone. (2018). Education and Community Engagement Report. Freetown: UNICEF.Google Scholar ↗
  5. WHO Sierra Leone. (2022). Health and Education Integration Strategy. Freetown: WHO.Google Scholar ↗
  6. Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). (2019). Skills for a Digital World. OECD Publishing.Google Scholar ↗
Author details
Ackmed Chebli
University of Sierraleone
✉ Corresponding Author
👤 View Profile →