Sierra Leone to reopen schools in March

The president of Sierra Leone Thursday announced March 30 as the date for the reopening of all schools in the country, which were shut down following the outbreak of Ebola virus in the country.

According to a statement issued from the Office of the President, the president has appointed former chief electoral commissioner as the coordinator for the day to day management, administration and coordination of all activities to reopen schools and she is answerable to the president.

The president has granted executive clearance for the commencement of all activities and implementation including social mobilization, water and sanitation, hygiene requirements as well as psychosocial support for the reopening of schools in March.

The release said that the appointment is with immediate effect.

Parents of pupils told Xinhua that they welcomed the statement but were of the opinion that the government should have waited until the country is Ebola free.

A government spokesman said that the authorities took that into consideration but the decision to reopen schools is based on down trend of incidence of the disease. Endi