ABSTRACT
Indigenous education in Sierra Leone has an inherent complexity which may not be shared by any other state in West Africa. It is best understood against the historical origins of Sierra Leonean society. With the differing historical origins, it is possible to distinguish between the kind of indigenous education which is typically ‘Creole’, from a somewhat different type which is essentially ‘tribal’ in nature. The cultural life of the Creoles has been described as a hybrid in which Western cultural strains as well as some Yoruba traditional beliefs and customs predominate. Story-telling serves as a means of informing the youngsters about the culture and traditions of the tribe and it is by this means that the virtues of justice, honesty and respect for elders are inculcated into the boys. This kind of moral education is considered essential because many of the initiates will eventually rise to high positions of authority within the tribe.
