By Grace Q. Bryant
The Minister of Education, Jarso Maley Jallah, has underscored the critical importance of empowering teachers to strengthen Liberia’s education system.
The workshop, attended by representatives from the MasterCard Foundation, the Education Development Center (EDC), educational officials, and various stakeholders, was aimed at fostering collaboration and developing strategies for enhancing the educational landscape in Liberia.
Minister Jallah spoke at the MasterCard Foundation’s Leaders in Teaching (LIT) Initiative Design Workshop, expressing profound gratitude to the MasterCard Foundation and EDC for their commitment to supporting teachers. “Your investment in supporting and empowering teachers is crucial to our shared goal of providing a brighter future for the youth of Liberia.”
Minister Jallah outlined several key priorities identified by the Ministry of Education that are essential to transforming the educational framework in Liberia.
Central to these initiatives is Teacher and Administrator Upgrading, which includes comprehensive training, professional development, and a reform of registration and certification processes. “We recognize that our teachers are our most valuable asset, and we are dedicated to their continuous training and support,” she asserted.
She emphasized the need for teachers to possess the necessary skills and resources to meet the evolving demands of education.
Recognizing the daily challenges faced by educators, Minister Jallah highlighted issues such as large class sizes, limited resources, and difficult working conditions.
She acknowledged that addressing these challenges is vital for improving teacher motivation, retention, and overall well-being. “We are committed to supporting our teachers in every way we can, as their dedication and resilience are the heart of our education system.
The Minister also addressed the importance of girls’ and inclusive education, stressing that enrollment alone is insufficient. “It requires ensuring the learning environment is safe and conducive to learning”, she explained.
She underscored the Ministry’s efforts to support every child, regardless of gender or background and noting that collaborative efforts is vital to creating supportive environments where all students can thrive, particularly those facing unique barriers.
Infrastructure improvement was another focus of the Minister’s address. She called for safe, functional, and inspiring learning spaces, noting the necessity of maintaining existing facilities while integrating technological tools. “With the support of our development partners, we can transform our schools into places where both students and educators feel valued and motivated.”
Resource mobilization for instructional supplies emerged as a critical area of concern. Dr. Jallah emphasized that equipping classrooms with the right materials from textbooks to technology is essential for effective learning.
She also highlighted the importance of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) thereby advocating for the development of practical skills that promote economic growth and self-sufficiency among young people.
In addition, the Minister outlined strategies for monitoring and supervising teaching effectiveness, which include school quality standards and annual assessments to enhance educational delivery.
She emphasized that progress in these areas is being made with the collaboration of development partners.
Dr. Jallah spoke about improving the health of school’s children as essential to enhancing educational outcomes. Initiatives like school feeding programs and the establishment of school’s gardens are being implemented to alleviate hunger and promote healthy eating habits among students.
Minister Jallah expressed hope that the collective insights and discussions would yield impactful solutions to the challenges teachers face. “Our goal is clear: to create an environment where teachers can thrive; where they are empowered, supported, and provided with opportunities for professional growth.”
The Minister reiterated her appreciation to the MasterCard Foundation and EDC for such transformative initiative. “Together, we can create a future where Liberia’s education system empowers every student, supports every teacher, and brings hope to every community.”
