By By Alphanso G. Kalama;
Monrovia, Liberia – Liberia’s Ministry of Education, led by Minister Dr. Jarso Maley Jallah, has launched a transformative US$8.4 million initiative to address critical gaps in the country’s education system. The plan will integrate over 6,000 volunteer teachers into the national payroll, offering them financial security and professional development, with the goal of enhancing the overall quality of education.
This initiative comes as part of the government’s broader strategy to tackle teacher shortages, especially in senior secondary schools where qualified educators are in short supply. A recent national profiling exercise found that 80% of volunteer teachers are male, with varied qualifications, including 3,213 holding high school diplomas and 31 holding master’s degrees. The program aims to standardize teacher qualifications and improve the teaching workforce.
As part of the 2024 national budget, US$65,000 has been allocated per school for essential materials, with 50% of the funding already distributed. The program also seeks to address disparities in teacher distribution, particularly in underserved counties such as Bomi, Gbarpolu, and Rivercess, where volunteer teachers are in short supply.
The Ministry is also leading an Enrollment Drive Campaign targeting low-enrollment counties, supported by the distribution of school supplies to encourage student attendance. Additionally, the Ministry’s school feeding program benefits over 295,000 students in 1,215 schools, helping reduce barriers to education by providing nutritious meals to students.
Minister Jallah emphasized that this initiative is critical not only for improving the quality of teaching but also for boosting student enrollment and retention. The Ministry is working to address workforce management challenges, including the retirement of 21 Education Officers (EOs) and 96 teachers, as well as the reassignment of 12 County Education Officers (CEOs) and 80 District Education Officers (DEOs).
By integrating volunteer teachers into the national payroll and addressing resource gaps, this initiative represents a significant commitment to professionalizing Liberia’s education system. The program is seen as a vital step in ensuring that all Liberian children have access to well-trained educators, regardless of where they live.
Minister Jallah called for continued national support to ensure the successful implementation of the program, emphasizing that a collective effort is necessary to address the challenges facing the country’s education system. This initiative is seen as a cornerstone of Liberia’s future, aiming to build a more resilient, skilled, and educated workforce.
With the promise of increased resources and a more professional teaching cadre, this US$8.4 million investment is expected to lay the foundation for a brighter, more equitable future for Liberia’s students.
