Ministries of Education, Youth and Sports, and Civil Service Agency Sign Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to Champion “One Child, One Chair” National Initiative

June 13, 2025
Posted by: James Wotoe
Category: Uncategorized

Monrovia, Liberia – June 12, 2025 –

In a historic move to advance educational equity and improve the learning environment, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and the Civil Service Agency (CSA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to jointly implement the “One Child, One Chair” National Initiative.

The MOU was signed by Hon. Dr. Jarso Maley Jallah, Minister of Education; Cllr. Jeror Cole Bangalu, Minister of Youth and Sports; and Dr. Josiah F. Joekai, Jr., Director-General of the CSA. The partnership seeks to address the critical shortage of seating in public schools across Liberia.

Under the agreement, 1,483 armchairs will be locally produced by the Monrovia Vocational Training Center (MVTC)—a TVET institution under the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

MVTC will adhere to national quality standards and deliver within agreed timelines.

Uniquely, the initiative is funded through one-month salary deductions from public officials who failed to declare their assets—reflecting the government’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and integrity.

During the signing ceremony, Minister Dr. Jallah emphasized that the initiative symbolizes more than furniture:

“This is not merely about providing chairs. It is a national statement of equity, dignity, and our collective investment in the future of Liberian children.”

She also commended Dr. Joekai for his insightful leadership and inter-agency coordination.

Minister Bangalu lauded the Ministry of Education for trusting MVTC with the task, assuring the public of high-quality and timely delivery. Dr. Joekai echoed the importance of collaboration in restoring public trust and enhancing service delivery.

This initiative is aligned with President Joseph N. Boakai’s ARREST Agenda, which targets 100% seating coverage in all public basic and secondary schools before the end of his first term.

To enhance transparency and oversight, the Ministry of Education has launched a centralized digital tracking platform to monitor school needs, delivery progress, vendor compliance, and community engagement—ensuring accountability and real-time reporting.

The “One Child, One Chair” project stands as a national symbol of equity, opportunity, and commitment to the future of every Liberian child.

For official updates:

Facebook: Ministry of Education – Liberia