By Grace Q. Bryant
Education Minister Jarso Jallah announces the registration dates for all schools across the country commencing on August 1-31, 2024 while classes are officially scheduled to resume on September 2, 2024.
Minister Jallah stated that as part of its commitment to executing the ARREST agenda underscored in Pillar 3: Human Capacity Development, section 3.1.2, which specifies the plan to increase enrollment in primary school by 20% and reduce the number of out-of-school children by 40%, the Ministry is set to launch a nationwide Enrollment Drive Campaign themed “Back to My Classroom” on August 9, 2024, at 12:00 pm.
According to her, the initiative will initially cover seven counties identified to have low school enrollment in the 2023-2024 academic year—Gbarpolu, Bomi, Grand Bassa, Rivercess, River Gee, Grand Gedeh, and Sinoe counties respectively.
“This initiative is slated to be an annual event, with plans to expand progressively to all counties. A national enrollment drive committee consisting of education stakeholders has been convened to execute this exercise annually. The campaign aims to ensure that every child in Liberia has access to educational opportunities,” she disclosed.
The Ministry will maintain the current process. The annual operational permit fee to be paid per school is based on the tuition fee charged per student, meaning one student’s tuition fee is equivalent to the annual fee due. The Department of Instruction, under the leadership of the Deputy Minister of Instruction, is the ONLY department responsible for executing the permitting process.
On August 19, 2024, the Ministry of Education convened a technical working group to work towards the implementation of a National Youth Service Program.
This program is aimed at fostering in our youths the values of service, responsibility, patriotism, and a deep sense of national pride and duty.
It focuses on the growth and development of our nation’s youth, emphasizing nationalism, and civic responsibility, and providing them with the skills and opportunities necessary for their future success. This initiative is being led by Student Personnel Services under the leadership of Assistant Minister Sona Traore Sesay.
The Ministry of Education is set to commence a nationwide volunteer teacher and staff profiling pointing out, “We are committed to ensuring educators in our classrooms are adequately credentialed and have the requisite skills and abilities for providing instruction and education services.”
This exercise is set to commence on August 12 and will continue until August 31. There will be a registration process and verification of credentials.
The outcome of this exercise will conclude with a nationwide registry of volunteer teachers and staff across the public schools system and plans for phase I regarding skill assessment will commence following the profiling exercise while a detailed schedule of events will be made available to the public shortly.
The Ministry of Education said it remains steadfast in its mission to professionalize and improve the education system in Liberia.
These initiatives reflect our dedication to providing quality education for all and fostering the growth and development of our youth noting, “We look forward to a successful academic year and the positive impact these changes will bring to our education system.”
The Ministry of Education is committed to delivering inclusive and equitable quality education for all and promoting lifelong learning opportunities throughout Liberia stressing, “Our mission is to create a conducive learning environment that fosters excellence and innovation.”
