Monrovia, Liberia: The Ministry of Education has launched the National Accelerated Adult Literacy Program (NAALP), marking a major step toward expanding learning opportunities for adults who missed out on formal education.

The launch brought the impact of adult literacy into clear focus, as learners demonstrated their progress in reading and writing and shared how these skills are already helping them participate more confidently in their homes, livelihoods, and communities.

Speaking at the launch, Education Minister Dr. Jarso Maley Jallah said the program represents an important investment in giving adults across Liberia a second opportunity to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to participate more fully in their families, communities, and the economy.

NAALP will build on these efforts by expanding access to a structured and accelerated learning pathway that goes beyond basic literacy and numeracy. The program will also equip adult learners with practical knowledge in livelihoods and financial literacy, health and wellbeing, life skills, and civic participation.

The first phase of implementation will target Grand Cape Mount, Bong, Grand Bassa, Gbarpolu, Lofa, and Rivercess Counties.

Liberia is working to increase adult literacy from 58.6 percent to at least 62.8 percent by 2029 a goal that will require sustained action, strong partnerships, and community-level engagement.

At the launch, representatives from across society including market women, teachers, school leaders, community representatives, civil society organizations, faith-based institutions, and development partners signaled their commitment to supporting the program.

Their role will be critical in identifying learners, mobilizing communities, encouraging participation, and helping ensure that literacy opportunities reach the adults who need them most.

The Ministry of Education also recognized the organizations and individuals who have sustained adult literacy initiatives across Liberia and reaffirmed its commitment to working with these partners as NAALP moves from a national framework to tangible learning opportunities in communities.

With Liberia preparing to observe 2027 as the National Year of Literacy, the priority now is to move beyond the launch and focus on implementation reaching more adults, supporting them throughout their learning journey, and delivering measurable improvements in literacy.

The message is clear: literacy is not only about learning to read and write. It is about giving people greater confidence, expanding economic opportunity, strengthening participation in society, and creating pathways to a better future.