By: Alphanso G. Kalama
Email: alphansokalama@gmail.com
Capitol Hill, Monrovia –The Minister of Education is expected to face scrutiny as public pressure mounts for a re-evaluation of the school calendar and policies affecting educational fees.
In a press conference held at her Capitol Hill office, Madam Bintu Massalay, Representative for District #1 in Grand Cape Mount County, announced plans to summon Minister of Education Dr. Jarso Maley Jallah over what she termed an “improper school opening schedule.” her advocacy sparked discussions about the country’s education policies and their impact on struggling families.
Massalay highlighted the government’s recent decision to reopen schools in early September, just weeks after many institutions closed for the summer. She expressed her frustration with the timing, which she believes places an undue financial burden on parents, especially those in low-income communities.
“Many students haven’t even had their graduation ceremonies, and parents are still grappling with fees from the last academic year,” Massalay stated. “Now they’re being asked to pay for a new school year with barely any break in between. This shows a lack of understanding of the realities faced by our families.”
The representative specifically pointed out the challenges faced by market women and farmers who often struggle to gather funds for their children’s education. Although the Ministry of Education issued guidelines intended to regulate school fees, Massalay noted that many private institutions continue to charge exorbitant amounts due to insufficient enforcement.
“This is unfair and unacceptable. The Ministry must take immediate action to strengthen oversight and ensure compliance with its regulations,” she urged. “We need to extend the school reopening dates to October to give parents the necessary time to prepare financially.”
In her call for action, Massalay also announced plans to introduce needs-based scholarship programs for public schools in her district, aiming to alleviate some of the financial pressure on families. Furthermore, she intends to write to the plenary of the House of Representatives, formally requesting the Minister of Education’s presence to discuss the implications of the current school schedule.
The representative’s statements echo a growing sentiment among parents and educators alike, who have expressed frustration over the government’s handling of educational matters. Many see this as a crucial moment for reform in Liberia’s education system.
As the country continues to grapple with the aftermath of recent elections and the ongoing need for unity, Massalay emphasized the importance of prioritizing education in a way that supports all Liberians. “Our decisions must be fair and truly in the interest of our people,” she concluded. “We must ensure that the education of our children does not come at the cost of our parents’ wellbeing.”
