The 2015 UNESCO Education sector analysis report says the females’ literacy rate in Liberia stands at 34.09%
According to the report, Liberia has an adult literacy rate of 48.3% out of which males are 62.7% thereby showing a big gap between the sexes.
Meanwhile, the principal and administrator of the Haywood Mission Institute on the Old Road said information in the report is alarming and troubling and must be given prompt attention.
Bishop Leo M. Simpson said the Education sector analysis further revealed that over 350, 000 children of school going ages are out of school in Liberia adding that,
Simpson decried the increasing numbers of children out of learning centers across the country, noting that it speaks to the education danger the country will face if not addressed immediately.
According to him, the UNESCO education sector analysis report made it clear that Liberia has one of the world’s highest levels of out-of-school children with an estimated 15-20 percent of 6-14 years children who are not in class, and is therefore calling on the government and parents to find lasting solutions to the situation.
The report observed that over a third of pre-school scholars have access to early childhood learning programs and about 54 percent of children completed primary education.
Bishop Simpson noted that in keeping with the education analysis report on Liberia by the world’s body, the urgent challenges facing the country also include poor learning outcome, huge number of school children not in school, wasted government resources, ghost and unskilled teachers as well as unqualified instructors and poor learning environment.
Bishop Simpson recommended that to bridge the educational gap, the government through the Ministry of Education should upgrade existing programs in reducing the alarming and troubling situation that may cause the citizen to pay the price if not address.
He called on the government through the Ministry of Education to provide subsidy to schools across the country, keep fees stable, reduce overabundance on parents and attract more out-of-school children in the class room.
“These proactive actions will address the challenges which include but not limited to unqualified teachers, undersupply of teaching and learning materials,” Dr. Simpson said.
The Liberian educator made the statement in a special remark at thanksgiving and appreciation day program of the Kindergarten division of the Haywood Mission Institute on Friday, June 16, 2023, held on the campus of the school.
13 students received Certificates of Honor for a job well done by Bishop Simpson.
The sponsor of the class expressed thanks and appreciations to the Directress of Christian Education and early childhood development, Dr. Myra E. Simpson for her support during the school year and also thanked parents that supported their school along the way.
