To obtain a better gender balance through the entire education system, Sierra Leone Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MEST) will work in partnership with non-state actors in the provision of scholarships for the neediest students to cover non-tuition related costs of schooling, like the cost of uniforms. MEST intends to ensure greater representation of the under-served; the poor, girls and children with disabilities, at SSS level, through the provision of school grants and scholarships. 

The Office of the CEO will lead this initiative, with implementation support from the Programmes department. MEST will work in partnership with relevant partners, such as the DfID funded Leh Wi Lan project, which focuses on improvement of secondary education and especially for girls.