One of the world’s poorest countries is betting big on schools

Sierra Leone is one of Africa’s poorest countries. About half of its adults cannot read. Its schools, few of which have electricity, are among the world’s worst. On any given day, perhaps a fifth of teachers are not in class as they should be.

In an attempt to improve things, Sierra Leone is undertaking a vast but little-noted educational experiment. If it succeeds, the country could write a road map that benefits even much wealthier places. In 2018 an incoming government increased public spending on education, which is now double what it was five years ago. The number of children enrolled in its schools has risen by more than half. With more bums on seats, it is now grappling with a problem that puzzles all of Africa: how to increase the woeful amount that children learn.