Sierra Leone’s school-time blues – BBC News

“Most questions that used to come to our studio, whenever I’m presenting this programme, people say the teenagers themselves are responsible for the problems they face,” she says.

“They want to live big, they want to live with all opportunities. So most of the time they choose to go to the street and just live their own life. I’ll blame the parents, the guidance, I’ll blame the teenagers, themselves. Then I’ll blame also the schools that these teenagers are attending.”

These are not comfortable messages for the father of a 14-year-old girl.

And there is more to come from a boatman transferring tourists to Tiwai Island, Sierra Leone’s river island wildlife sanctuary.

He has spent a lot of money on his daughter’s secondary education. As a result, her “belly business”, or pregnancy, has been a disappointment – particularly as she says it involved her teacher.

“I was going to school and I suddenly get pregnant,” his daughter tells Sorie and Foday. “I was in love with my teacher a long time. Since I was in Form One. He helped me pass my exams and paid for my practical fees and other things. When I told him that I was pregnant, he said, ‘Don’t tell me that.’

“He said if I was willing, he had the money, I could have an abortion. I said, ‘No’, because some friends have died because of abortion.”

Back in Freetown, Sorie reflects on his recent experiences.

“Zeinab’s my child, but she has a mind of her own,” he says. “Even though I really hope she finishes her studies, it’s up to her. I am praying to God that she finishes her education because I believe it will be good for her. If I get money I will send her to college. I believe God will provide.”

The MDGs are meant to be measurable and, on some counts, countries like Sierra Leone are making progress.

But our 21st Century troubadour has returned home with an old bluesman’s message: “That life is messier, and more troublesome, and money alone won’t always fix things.”

Life on the Edge is broadcast on BBC World News on Saturdays at 0030 BST, 0730 and 1930 and Sundays at 1330.