Representative Kwagrue Criticizes the Ministry of Education for Labeling Volunteer Teachers as Unqualified

MONROVIA, LIBERIA: Representative Kortor Kwargue of Nimba County Electoral District #5 has strongly condemned the Ministry of Education for labeling more than two thousand volunteer teachers as "unqualified."

The Nimba County lawmaker described the ministry's statement as "a gross act of disrespect toward the very individuals who have kept Liberia's classrooms operational for years."

Representative Kwargue stated that it is unacceptable for the ministry to dismiss volunteer teachers who have dedicated six or more years of unpaid service to Liberia’s education system.

The lawmaker argued that these volunteer teachers have successfully produced students who have graduated from high school and are now pursuing higher education, which serves as clear evidence of their competence and the positive impact they have made.

“If those teachers are unqualified, then we should also question the academic credentials of the students they taught,” Kwargue stated, referring to the Ministry of Education's classification of volunteer instructors as an insult.

Representative Kwargue characterized the Ministry of Education's decision to lay off volunteer instructors as a “systematic injustice” and a betrayal of Liberia’s commitment to quality education. He argued that these volunteer teachers, whom he called “the elevators of knowledge,” play a crucial role in the education system.

“Every professional's success deserves national recognition and inclusion on the government payroll,” Representative Kwargue stated.

He accused the ministry of exploiting the dedication and hard work of volunteer teachers while denying them the dignity and benefits they have earned. According to him, “No country can achieve educational progress by undermining those who make learning possible.”

Representative Kwargue insisted that if the ministry truly believes some teachers are unqualified, it must first compensate them for their years of sacrifice before seeking replacements. He emphasized that the government has a moral obligation to reward, not reject, those who have served the nation faithfully.

He also expressed dismay over what he referred to as the ministry’s “selective employment plan,” revealing that out of more than 6,000 volunteer teachers identified nationwide, only about 2,000 will be placed on the payroll, leaving over 3,000 others uncertain about their future.

Representative Kwargue noted that volunteer teachers have been the lifeline of education in rural and underserved communities, teaching without salaries and in difficult conditions.

He emphasized that these teachers embody the true spirit of patriotism and deserve to be uplifted, not sidelined. The Nimba County lawmaker reaffirmed his commitment to championing legislative reforms that ensure fairness and inclusion in the recruitment and employment of teachers.

He stated that he will work with relevant committees and stakeholders to push for policies that recognize the sacrifices of volunteer educators and give them a rightful place in the nation’s education system.