The U.S. Government, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), in partnership with the Liberian Ministry of Education, has launched the Liberia Foundational Skills Activity (LFSA), a five-year, US$75 million initiative aimed at improving literacy skills for students in Grades 1 through 6.
The program is set to benefit over 120,000 students across six counties namely, Bong, Grand Bassa, Lofa, Margibi, Montserrado, and Nimba reaching approximately 70% of public schools.
The program addresses critical gaps in literacy education, LFSA aligns with Liberia’s national education standards, promoting sustainable development and economic resilience.
The initiative is led by Chemonics International in collaboration with a consortium of local and international partners, including the Diversified Educators Empowerment Project (DEEP), Kid’s Educational Engagement Project (KEEP), WE-CARE, FAWE Liberia, FREE Liberia, Mathematica, and One World Network of Schools (OWNOS).
This coalition brings together global expertise and local knowledge to create inclusive, high-quality learning environments.
Over the next five years, LFSA aims to strengthen foundational literacy skills and expand access to quality education.
The program builds on USAID’s extensive history of supporting Liberia’s education sector, with over US$300 million invested in the past decade.
These efforts have resulted in a 15% increase in primary school enrollment, improved literacy rates, the training of 7, 500 teachers, and the renovation of more than 300 schools.
Speaking at the launch event, U.S. Ambassador to Liberia Mark Toner emphasized the importance of the initiative, saying, “This program is a testament to the enduring partnership between the United States and Liberia.”
Liberia’s Minister of Education, Jarso Jallah, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the program’s transformative potential.
Through this partnership, we are equipping our children with tools to build a brighter and more prosperous Liberia,” she stated.
The LFSA represents a shared commitment to empowering Liberia’s youth through education, creating pathways for lifelong learning and economic resilience.
