On Saturday, May 11, 2024, John D. Wilson, Director of Educational support and the global Director of the Succeed in School (SIS) Program for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, along with Kelley Mackay-Shane, responsible for the Succeed in School Program in the Africa West Area, met with local Church leaders in Freetown, Sierra Leone. Their objective was to gain firsthand experience of the SIS program's progress and gather insights from stake presidents, teachers, and leaders of the Seminary and Institutes of Religion on ways to enhance the program, potentially necessitating policy adjustments.
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Following the meeting with stake leaders, they visited the SIS classes at the Kossoh Town Sierra Leone Stake and Wellington Sierra Leone Stake, accompanied by Church leaders including President Abibu Charles, President Ndemowoma Y. Mustapha, Bishop Jeremy Rahim Kamara, and Brother Matthew Bassie Charles. Impressed by the attendance and dedication of teachers, they recognized the positive impact of the program.
Brother Wilson emphasized the importance of learning from local leaders to enhance education for God's children. He highlighted the significance of education in the Church, noting the synergy between learning and the construction of the new temple being built in Freetown for accelerating the work of the Church in Sierra Leone. He noted that this echoed the Lord's vision for prosperity through education and salvation.
Sister Mackay-Shane reiterated their commitment to supporting teachers and leaders on the ground and the children benefitting from the program. Grateful for the efforts of volunteer teachers and the successes achieved in Sierra Leone, they acknowledged the importance of community support in education.
The Succeed in School classes were officially launched in Sierra Leone in 2022 and have progressively expanded to various stakes, now reaching an enrollment of 1,800 across the country. Aimed at youth aged 11 to 18, the program provides supplementary support for academic endeavors, including mathematics, reading, writing, study skills, and life skills activities, in conjunction with parental guidance and exam preparation.
Succeed in School is an after-school program that provides resources and guided experiences to help youth progress in their education and to become disciples of Jesus Christ. Youth who participate have opportunities to develop skills that help them to remain and succeed in school, increase their hope and faith in Jesus Christ, and belong and contribute to a learning community of Saints.
The program is run by volunteer teachers from the local stakes in local meetinghouses after school. While professional teaching backgrounds are not mandatory, educators are provided with structured lessons and resources to effectively deliver the curriculum. Leaders encourage participation from youth who are not members of the Church of Jesus Christ.