Revolutionizing Education: Liberia’s Bold $8.4 Million Investment to Empower Teachers and Shape the Future

“Revolutionizing Education: Liberia’s Bold $8.4 Million Investment to Empower Teachers and Shape the Future”

Monrovia, Liberia – November 17, 2024

The Ministry of Education, led by Minister Dr. Jarso Maley Jallah, has unveiled a transformative US$8.4 million initiative aimed at addressing critical gaps within Liberia’s education system.

This ambitious investment will integrate over 6,000 volunteer teachers into the national payroll, providing greater financial security for educators and enhancing the overall quality of education.

Minister Jallah’s presentation to the Liberian Senate highlighted the importance of this initiative, underscoring the urgent need for increased teacher salaries and improved educational standards, particularly in senior secondary schools where qualified teachers are in short supply.

A nationwide profiling exercise revealed that 80% of volunteer teachers are male, with varying qualifications, including 3,213 holding high school diplomas and 31 possessing master’s degrees. The program aims to professionalize the teaching workforce, addressing the significant variation in qualifications and ensuring that students benefit from well-trained educators.

The initiative is part of a broader strategy to address teacher shortages, especially in underserved areas. As part of the 2024 national budget, the Ministry allocated US$65,000 per school for essential educational materials, with 50% already distributed to schools. The Ministry is also tackling disparities in teacher distribution, with counties like Montserrado, Nimba, and Bong having the highest concentrations of volunteer teachers.

In addition to this, the Ministry is spearheading an Enrollment Drive Campaign targeting low-enrollment counties such as Bomi, Gbarpolu, Rivercess, Rivergee, Bassa, Grand Gedeh and Sinoe. This campaign is coupled with the distribution of school supplies to motivate students to return to school.

The Ministry is also advancing its school feeding program, supported by four key partners, which currently benefits 295,537 students across 1,215 schools. The initiative aims to reduce barriers to education by ensuring that students receive the nutritional support necessary for effective learning.

Minister Jallah concluded her presentation by emphasizing the need for continued national support to ensure the successful implementation of the initiative. The Ministry is also focused on addressing workforce management challenges, including the retirement of 21 Education Officers(EOs), and 96 teachers, as well as the unsuccessful 12 County Education Officers( CEOs), and 80 District Education Officers (DEOs).

This US$8.4 million investment represents a significant commitment to the future of Liberia’s education system, seeking to build a resilient, professional, and knowledgeable workforce. By integrating volunteer teachers into the national payroll and addressing resource gaps, the Ministry aims to lay the foundation for a brighter, more prosperous future for Liberia’s children, ensuring equitable access to high-quality education regardless of geographic location or socio-economic background.

For more information, visit moeliberia.com or follow the Ministry on Facebook (@Ministry of Education-Liberia). For inquiries, contact the Ministry via the MoE Hotline at 1416.Compose Message