Prioritising Learning and Supporting Sector Integration in Emergencies

All aspects of the initial response to the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in Sierra Leone in 2014/15 were slow and disjointed; mirroring the existing lack of coordination and disconnect in the Sierra Leonean development context. This gave rise to isolated interventions that did not capitalise on cross learning opportunities; causing confusion, duplication and substantial oversights, particularly in the area of education.

This paper discusses how the education sector adapted to an emergency setting during the EVD outbreak. It examines how lessons learned from the response at large have the potential to direct and support the sustainable integrated recovery and future educational development of the country. The paper reviews coordination documentation and processes throughout all phases of the emergency identifying the successes, challenges and how learning from the overall emergency response will shape the future direction of education as the country transitions to sustainable recovery.