Sierra Leone President H.E. Julius Maada Bio, SIS/MA '99

Description

The Republic of Sierra Leone faces a variety of challenges: rising inflation, increasing food and energy costs, poverty, and violent protests. But the country also has a shining light: its Free Quality School Education (FQSE) program. The government of Sierra Leone launched this initiative, which provides free admission and tuition to all students in government-approved schools, in August 2018. Along with partners like UNICEF, the government has developed a national strategy to reach children who are not enrolled in school and to provide school supplies and other learning materials. Another part of the FQSE initiative is the UPSHIFT program, which focuses on social innovation and social entrepreneurship, particularly for girls and children with disabilities.

Join the AU School of International Service as they welcome Sierra Leone’s president, H.E. Julius Maada Bio, SIS/MA ’99, to the School of International Service (SIS). President Bio, who is both head of state and head of government for his nation, will give remarks about this important educational program in the SIS Atrium. After his speech, SIS professor Susan Shepler will moderate a conversation with President Bio, which will include an audience Q&A.