President Boakai Boasts of Training 10,000 Youths and Revamping the Education Sector in his first Year”

President Boakai today January 27, 2024 President to told the legislature in his annual message that Liberia’s path toward achieving its ambitious development goals hinges on one critical factor:

President said the education of its citizens, particularly the youth. Education is not a privilege—it is a fundamental right, and Liberia’s once-celebrated educational system has faced significant challenges over recent years, depriving many young people of the opportunities they deserve.

In 2024, According to President Boakai his government inherited an education sector burdened by a host of issues: $2 million in scholarship arrears, poorly qualified teachers, and deteriorating infrastructure. Many public schools were in disrepair, and multiple education projects had been delayed or abandoned.

To address these challenges, President Boakai said his government has taken decisive action to revitalize the sector and ensure quality education for all Liberian children. The government allocated $1 million to clear scholarship arrears, including fees for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). More than half a million dollars have already been disbursed to students in need.

In addition, the government has conducted an assessment of the education system across 14 counties, validated the teaching workforce, and is now transitioning qualified volunteer teachers into the formal education system.

One of the most notable initiatives is the $75 million foundational learning project launched in collaboration with USAID. This project is focused on improving literacy and numeracy for third-grade students. To further enhance the learning experience, 156 public schools have been equipped with digital learning tools and solar-powered systems, ensuring students have access to modern educational resources even in the most underserved areas.

The government has also introduced new policies such as the National School Quality Standards and the Center for Excellence, designed to raise educational standards nationwide. Additionally, the “One Child, One Chair” initiative was launched to tackle the widespread shortage of school furniture, ensuring that every child has a seat to learn in.

At the tertiary level, efforts are underway to transform the University of Liberia. The government has assessed the university’s infrastructure needs and initiated plans for a renovation. Moreover, efforts to build the university’s endowment are underway, with the goal of enhancing the institution’s academic reputation both locally and globally.

Recognizing the link between hunger and education, the government has allocated $1 million to the school feeding program for primary schools. This initiative will help combat hunger and ensure that students are well-nourished and able to focus on their studies.

As Liberia continues to invest in education, the government is committed to delivering lasting reforms that will equip future generations with the skills and knowledge needed to lead the country toward a prosperous future. The coming year will be a pivotal one for the education sector, marking a critical turning point in Liberia’s pursuit of development and national progress.

In his address to the legislature on January 27, 2025, President Boakai outlined the steps his government has taking during his first year in office address the critical issues facing Liberia’s education sector. Key initiatives include:

Restoring Scholarship Funds:

The current administration allocated $1 million to clear scholarship arrears, with over half a million dollars already disbursed to students, including fees for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

Teacher Assessment & Qualifications:

The government conducted a nationwide assessment of the education system across 14 counties, validating the teaching workforce and transitioning qualified volunteer teachers into the formal system.

Foundational Learning Project: In collaboration with USAID, the government launched a $75 million project aimed at improving literacy and numeracy for third-grade students.

Infrastructure and Digital Tools: Over 150 public schools were equipped with digital learning tools and solar-powered systems to ensure modern education resources are accessible, even in underserved areas.

“One Child, One Chair” Initiative: Addressing the widespread shortage of school furniture by ensuring that every child has a seat in the classroom.

University of Liberia Revitalization: Plans are underway to renovate the University of Liberia and enhance its academic reputation globally, with efforts to build the institution’s endowment.

School Feeding Program: A $1 million investment in a school feeding program for primary schools to combat hunger and improve student focus.

Comparing with the Weah Administration’s Education Record:

While both President Boakai’s current government and former President Weah’s administration share the common goal of improving education, their approaches and the outcomes differ significantly:

1. Education Funding and Debt:

• Under President Weah, the education sector was burdened by significant financial constraints, including delayed payments to students and teachers. The $2 million in scholarship arrears inherited by President Boakai underscores a continuation of this issue. However, under Weah, there were no substantial efforts announced to resolve these arrears until Boakai’s administration took the first steps toward clearing them.

2. Teacher Quality and Workforce:

• One of the key criticisms of Weah’s administration was the lack of attention to teacher qualification and support. During his tenure, the education sector suffered from poorly trained teachers and widespread teacher shortages. The Boakai administration has made strides by conducting an assessment of teachers across the country and transitioning qualified volunteers into the system, marking a clear shift toward addressing this issue.

3. Infrastructure and Digital Learning:

• While the Weah government did allocate some funds for educational infrastructure, many schools continued to suffer from dilapidated conditions and lack of resources. President Boakai’s administration is making a direct investment in infrastructure with the renovation of public schools, as well as the introduction of digital learning tools and solar-powered systems, which were largely absent under Weah’s tenure.

4. Foundational and Primary Education:

• The foundational learning project introduced by President Boakai, in partnership with USAID, represents a targeted effort to improve literacy and numeracy for younger students. During Weah’s time in office, there was no large-scale initiative of this kind, and many students continued to fall behind in basic skills due to inadequate resources and poor quality teaching.

5. Higher Education and University Reform:

• Under President Weah, there was little tangible progress in revitalizing higher education, particularly the University of Liberia, which continued to face infrastructure decay and low academic standards. In contrast, President Boakai’s government has made it a priority to renovate the University of Liberia and build its endowment, signaling a more robust approach to strengthening higher education.

6. School Feeding and Student Welfare:

• The issue of hunger in schools, which affects students’ ability to focus on learning, was not adequately addressed under Weah’s administration. However, President Boakai’s government has allocated $1 million to fund a school feeding program to ensure that students in primary schools have access to meals and better learning conditions.

While both administrations have recognized the importance of education for Liberia’s development, President Boakai’s government is moving forward with a more structured and comprehensive approach to address the sector’s challenges. From clearing arrears to improving infrastructure, teacher quality, and student welfare, Boakai’s initiatives reflect a shift toward systemic reform and investment in the country’s future.

Under President Weah, while there were some efforts to improve education, significant challenges remained unaddressed, particularly in terms of funding, teacher quality, and infrastructure. President Boakai’s early actions signal a commitment to making education a central priority in his administration and a clear departure from the stagnation seen during Weah’s tenure.

This comparison highlights both the progress made during President Boakai’s administration and the shortcomings of the previous administration, giving a clearer picture of how Liberia’s education system is evolving under the current leadership. Let me know if you need further adjustments!