The government of Liberia through the Ministry of Information has declared the provision of education to its citizens as a national priority that must be addressed by all stakeholders.
Addressing the regular press briefing yesterday in Monrovia, the information minister, Lewis G. Brown, stressed the need for an improved educational system in the country to prepare young Liberians meet the challenges ahead.
Brown disclosed that President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf is leading a special educational project to ensure that quality education be provided by the Liberian government to the youth. “We must continue to do more in our educational sector,” Brown said.
He said the failure of some 25,000 persons who sat the University of Liberia entrance examination is a shame to the entire country and that is why the Liberian leader is renewing her efforts to strengthening the country’s educational program.
“Government’s focus is improving the quality of education; our focus is also on early child development and that is why a commission has been established to operate and unify curriculum development,” Brown said, adding education is the future of any nation and the only way to expand the economy.
He said another way to improve quality education for the children and Liberian youth is by providing electrical power, something government is doing everything possible to address. Brown pointed out that providing education has become a national emergency considering the recent mass failure of those who took the UL Entrance Exam.
He said government will provide incentives for teachers and those interested in the field of teaching as a sign of encouragement to improve the educational system of the country. “The failure of 25,000 persons is a disgrace to our educational system and so, we all must feel the sense of urgency in addressing these problems in our educational sector,” the minister added.
At the same time, Brown has disclosed that the payment of the Relocation Action Plan for some of those residing near roads to be rehabilitated is delaying the commencement of the projects. Brown said some of the people have received their packages but are still refusing to leave the roadsides.
He said the government of Liberia is spending $8 million to $10 million toward the Relocation Action Plan, an amount that should’ve been used to address other important areas of priority including the educational sector.
Brown said one of the roads that is being delayed because of the payment of the RAP is the Monrovia- Gbarnga Road. He then called on those refusing to leave or who have returned on the roadsides to immediately vacate those areas, as major road connections will be prioritized by government this coming season.
Source: The Inquirer (Monrovia)
