Muslim leaders' evolving views of child and adolescent health and life skills in Sierra Leone

This report examines how Muslim religious leaders in Sierra Leone have gradually grown to accept the integration of child and adolescent health and life skills (CAHLS) curriculum in schools. The factors that led to this positive change were: the impact of public health crises (e.g. Ebola and COVID-19), intensive engagement between religious leaders and the government, and adaption of language and content in response to their concerns. 

This report shows how the process of overcoming resistance amongst an influential segment of society is still ongoing, and offers recommendations for how support amongst religious leaders can be advanced further. 

Key findings

• Shifts in Muslim religious leaders’ perspectives on CAHLS: Initially resistant to CAHLS, Muslim leaders in Sierra Leone gradually accepted it due to public health crises and supportive government policies, though resistance remains on issues like contraception and abortion.
• Acceptable versus controversial topics in CAHLS: Leaders support CAHLS topics aligned with Islamic values (e.g., puberty, hygiene, abuse prevention) but oppose contraception for unmarried adolescents and abortion except to save the mother's life.
• Gender-segregated teaching and age restrictions: Most leaders favour gender-segregated, age-appropriate instruction, with basic topics introduced earlier and sensitive topics like contraception reserved for older teens.
• Factors influencing attitude shifts: Workshops, crises and younger urban imams’ openness contributed to shifting views, though poverty and early marriage still pose challenges.
• Regional variations in acceptance: Urban areas are more accepting of CAHLS, while rural regions remain cautious, although districts affected by crises or targeted campaigns show growing support.