By George C. Flomo
MONROVIA – A sector that has often been described as rotten, irredeemable and crisis-laden, Education is now a getting a lifeline to success as President Boakai on Monday dedicated two model secondary schools in Bong and Nimba Counties, signaling a return to Liberia’s exemplary pre-war high standards of education that was heralded as one of the best in Africa.
In Bong County’s provincial city, dedication of the country’s first postwar ultramodern state-of-the-art secondary school witnessed a gathering of government officials, members of the diplomatic community, donor partners, students, parents and traditional leaders who sat attentively as the Liberian leader led the dedicatory charge.
“Today is a special day for Bong County and for Liberia as a whole. We gather to celebrate the opening of a modern learning facility that represents hope, progress and a strong commitment to the future of our children.
“This school is not just a building; it is a statement that education remains at the heart of our development agenda. The achievement is made possible with the thanks of our World Bank partner. You know when the partner trusts what you’re doing and they believe in you, a lot of things can happen. This is one of the best partnerships we have had, and thanks so much for believing in us,” President Boakai said.
According to President Boakai, the project is supported by a US$47 million grant from the International Development Association World Bank Group, noting that the Ministry of Education, working with the donor partners, has delivered a project that tackles the real challenges in the country’s education sector.
“Today, together we finally ascended to senior secondary education, strengthened gender equity, improved curricula and enhanced capacity from the Ministry to serve students better.
“I can’t see anybody who wants to come to this kind of school and will not pass. What we see here today with modern classrooms assigned with computer laboratories, safe learning spaces sets a new standard for education in Liberia,” he said, noting, “this is a future we want for every child. It reflects our government’s ARREST Agenda which is focused on access, reform and excellence in education. As an education says, education is the key that unlocks the golden door; I am saying that the lock was replaced but we are trying to put it back.
Said Boakai: “The truth remains that this work is very important. Let me emphasize why it matters so much to all of us. Good education starts with good learning environment. Most people don’t understand that. When it comes to a learning environment, the good book says cleanliness is next to Godliness. A good learning environment encourages good students. They sit at proper desks, not on the floor; and have access to science and computer labs. They learn better and faster.
“A conducive environment reduces distractions, inspires confidence, and encourages curiosity. When a child feels safe and comfortable that child is free to dream and to focus on learning than worrying about basic needs. And this is quite true. This is why investing in proper school is important. It’s not just about building; it is about giving our children the tools and opportunities to compete and to succeed.
“When you are educated, they are not going to ask you whether it’s a Liberian education. Education is education. You are educated to compete with the world.
“To our students, this is your moment, make the most of it. Your government believes in you, and this investment is a sign of that belief. Let these halls echo with ambition, hard work and success.
“To our partners at the World Bank who contributed to this project, we extend our heartfelt thanks. Your support has helped us to give a brighter future to thousands of young people. I know some of you went to school some years ago want to come back to school for this kind of building. Together, let us keep building an education system that serves every student, lifts every community and secure a strong future for our nation.
“Don’t let anybody to tell you that you don’t deserve the best. In this government, everything we do will be to make good citizens, to change their mentality to think high about themselves, and I am sure that the children that will be coming to school here will feel proud to be in this kind of environment.
“I want to thank the Minister of Education in particular, for not just the building that you see. A lot of decisions have been made. It takes cost to make cuts, and there are a lot of cuts being taken, some fake teachers, sometimes people feel hurt when you remove these people. They may be your friends but they cannot be friends with you and enemies to the children.
“Our children must be able to compete. I don’t want to go back to the WAEC story that I always tell the Minister, and I hope this time I may go to another WAEC result, we will see Liberian students moving up. We are the brightest we have in one environment like this, and that is what we are going to give them.
“So, I want to thank you all. This cannot be done without the help of the community. One of the things we are not good at is maintenance. I hope there will be a crew here to maintain this facility; to keep it clean as it is now. And that also takes trained people, good plumbers, and good electricians. That’s what we should be doing.
“And I am sure as we come to these programs our legislators are seeing that the decisions that make out there, we are implementing them to the letter so that they too will believe that we all are working together for the betterment of this country,” President Boakai concluded amidst thunderous applause.
Earlier, Education Minister Dr. Jarso Maley Jallah provided an overview of the project, indicating that it marks a significant step in the nation’s collective effort to positively alter the trajectory of education in Liberia.
“As we gather this afternoon with great pride and deep gratitude, we officially the first of two of Liberia’s newest state-of-the-art model secondary schools, with each costing at US$1.6 million. I am pleased to emphatically proclaim the schools’ ultramodern nature because it has among other facilities, boasts 15 classrooms, a technical vocational space for TVET programs, gender sensitive inclusions, and accessible support for individuals with disability, science and digital lab, library, solar-powered running water and sports facilities including a football pitch as well as basketball and volleyball courts. Each school can accommodate up to a 1000 students, which will significantly over-crowdedness and enhance the learning environment.
“This has been possible by President Boakai’s-led government through the Ministry of Education with funding support from the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA) facility,” Dr. Jarso stated proudly.
This model school construction initiative is part of the Government of Liberia’s ongoing commitment to expand access to quality education and improve learning conditions nationwide.
The Ministry of Education, with support from the World Bank’s Improving Results in Secondary Education (IRISE) Project, led the construction of these modern facilities in Gbarnga City, Bong County, and Ganta City, Nimba County. This effort aligns with a national strategy to strengthen secondary education infrastructure, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
The two schools were built under Component 1 of the IRISE Project, which focuses on enhancing access and the learning environment at the senior secondary level. Each campus features furnished classrooms, science and computer laboratories, administrative offices, gender-sensitive sanitation facilities, a safe water supply, perimeter fencing, and recreational spaces. A third similar facility in Kakata, Margibi County, is nearing completion and will be dedicated later this year.
The new schools are expected to alleviate pressure on existing institutions and foster a more inclusive and equitable educational environment, with a special focus on increasing girls’ participation.
Continuing his development tour, President Boakai proceeded to Lofa County, where he was warmly received by a large gathering of residents, traditional leaders, Chiefs, Students, Men and Women groups. There, he dedicated a newly constructed “Rest Center” project spearheaded by Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah representative of District#1. “The initiative aims to enhance the region’s infrastructure and provide a safe and comfortable space for travelers and locals alike,” President Boakai remarked.
In addition to the rest stop, the President also inaugurated a mini police station in the area. “President Boakai also inaugurated a mini police station in the area, reinforcing the government’s commitment to ensuring safety and security for the citizens of Lofa County.” The facility is expected to strengthen local law enforcement and promote community-based policing.
Local chiefs and elders expressed deep gratitude for the President’s presence and pledged their support for ongoing government efforts. “Local leaders… emphasized the positive impact these developments will have on the community,” while the crowd’s warm embrace of the President highlighted a strong spirit of unity and national support.