By Bill W. Cooper
Deputy Education Minister, Lathim Dathong brags that the country’s education system under the government of President George M. Weah has undergone significant advancements, resulting in notable improvements over the five years of his presidency.
This, he said, reflects a strong commitment from the government and various stakeholders within the education sector to enhance the quality and accessibility of education across Liberia.
Liberia, a West African country, has faced numerous challenges in its education system, including limited resources, infrastructure deficits, and a history of civil unrest.
Speaking on Truth FM yesterday, making the case for the reelection of President Weah, one of the key areas of improvement that Minister Dathong highlighted was the expansion of educational opportunities.
He disclosed that efforts have been made to increase school enrollment rates, particularly among marginalized communities and vulnerable groups in high schools and universities, as a result of the President’s free tuition and WAEC fees policy.
According to him, the government’s push for inclusive education ensures that children from all backgrounds have access to quality education, regardless of their socio-economic status, gender, or geographical location.
To support his assertion, the Minister further revealed that the Weah government has invested heavily in building and upgrading schools, especially in rural areas where infrastructure was previously lacking.
He maintained, “The curriculum has also undergone substantial revisions to align with global educational standards and meet the demands of a rapidly changing world. The focus has shifted from rote memorization to a more holistic and practical approach, critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and creativity.”
“This shift is aimed at equipping students with the necessary skills for the job market and empowering them to contribute meaningfully to the development of their nation,” the Deputy Education Minister noted.
Dathong furthered that the government has placed a strong emphasis on teacher training and professional development, noting that ongoing efforts have been made to provide continuous training and support to educators, owing to the fact that teachers play a pivotal role in shaping the quality of education.
This, he added, that by investing in their professional growth, the government ensures that teachers are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to deliver quality instruction and create an engaging learning environment.
Deputy Minister Dathong also highlighted the introduction of various educational initiatives to enhance learning outcomes, revealing that the government has engaged in partnerships with international organizations and donors to complement its efforts in improving education.
These collaborations, he added, have brought in additional resources, expertise, and support to accelerate the pace of change in the sector.
Meanwhile, he also disclosed that construction works of 145 schools, intended to teach early childhood education, are ongoing across the country and are expected to be completed soon.
