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‘An empty bag cannot stand upright’: The nature of schooling costs in Sierra Leone

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  • Samonova, Elena
  • Devine, Dympna
  • Sugrue, C.
  • Capistrano, D.
  • Sloan, S.
  • Symonds, J.

Abstract

Sierra Leone is one of the poorest countries in the world with a literacy level of 51%. The government has oficially abolished school fees; however, families still have to cover various education-related costs for their children. This paper analyses the nature of the schooling costs in Sierra Leone. It shows that despite the abolition of school fees, schooling costs remain prohibitively high. Based on field research – which involved the observation of schools and interviews with teachers, pupils, and parents – the paper posits that institutional factors may prevent the reduction of these costs.

Suggested Citation

  • Samonova, Elena & Devine, Dympna & Sugrue, C. & Capistrano, D. & Sloan, S. & Symonds, J., 2021. "‘An empty bag cannot stand upright’: The nature of schooling costs in Sierra Leone," International Journal of Educational Development, Elsevier, vol. 87(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:injoed:v:87:y:2021:i:c:s073805932100153x
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ijedudev.2021.102500
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Owasim Akram & Mathilde Maitrot & Thomas Denk, 2020. "Generational Bargain, Transfer of Disadvantages and Extreme Poverty: A Qualitative Enquiry from Bangladesh," The European Journal of Development Research, Palgrave Macmillan;European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes (EADI), vol. 32(4), pages 1173-1194, September.
    2. Lincove, Jane Arnold, 2009. "Determinants of schooling for boys and girls in Nigeria under a policy of free primary education," Economics of Education Review, Elsevier, vol. 28(4), pages 474-484, August.
    3. Lloyd, Cynthia B. & Mete, Cem & Grant, Monica J., 2009. "The implications of changing educational and family circumstances for children's grade progression in rural Pakistan: 1997-2004," Economics of Education Review, Elsevier, vol. 28(1), pages 152-160, February.
    4. World Bank, 2009. "Abolishing School Fees in Africa : Lessons from Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, and Mozambique," World Bank Publications - Books, The World Bank Group, number 2617, December.
    5. Deininger, Klaus, 2003. "Does cost of schooling affect enrollment by the poor? Universal primary education in Uganda," Economics of Education Review, Elsevier, vol. 22(3), pages 291-305, June.
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    Cited by:

    1. Alex Balch & Anna M. Cody & David Okech & Tamora Callands & Umaru Fofanah & Haja Ramatulai Wurie, 2024. "Unveiling child trafficking: Local perspectives and context in addressing sustainable development goals in Sierra Leone," Global Policy, London School of Economics and Political Science, vol. 15(1), pages 78-90, February.

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