U.S. Ambassador and Liberia’s Minister of Education Launch $75 Million Initiative to Boost Literacy for Grades 1–6

U.S. Ambassador and Liberia’s Minister of Education Launch $75 Million Initiative to Boost Literacy for Grades 1–6

Monrovia, Liberia – November 19, 2024

The United States Government, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), in partnership with the Government of Liberia, has officially launched the Liberia Foundational Skills Activity (LFSA).

This five-year, $75 million initiative is designed to strengthen English literacy skills for over 120,000 students in Grades 1–6 across six counties: Bong, Grand Bassa, Lofa, Margibi, Montserrado, and Nimba.

Targeting 70 percent of public schools, LFSA addresses critical gaps in literacy education and reinforces Liberia’s national education standards, laying a strong foundation for sustainable development and economic resilience.

The initiative, led by Chemonics International, unites a coalition of local and international partners, including the Diversified Educators Empowerment Project (DEEP), Kid’s Educational Engagement Project (KEEP), WE-CARE, FAWE Liberia, FREE Liberia, Mathematica, and One World Network of Schools (OWNOS).

This collaboration integrates global expertise and local knowledge to create inclusive and equitable learning environments. LFSA builds upon USAID’s longstanding contributions to Liberia’s education sector, which include over $300 million in investments over the past decade, leading to a 15% increase in primary school enrollment, improved literacy proficiency, the training of 7,500 teachers, and the renovation of over 300 schools.

Speaking at the launch, the U.S. Ambassador Mark Toner to Liberia emphasized the importance of the initiative, stating, “This program is a testament to the enduring partnership between the United States and Liberia.” Minister of Education Dr. Jarso Maley Jallah highlighted its transformative potential, adding, “Through this partnership, we are equipping our children with tools to build a brighter and more prosperous Liberia.”

For additional information, visit the Ministry of Education’s official platforms or contact the MoE hotline at 1416.