Africa-Press – Liberia. The Ministry of Education (MoE) has ordered the temporary closure of the House of Prayer Institute in Agape Community, Browerville, following an investigation that uncovered serious regulatory breaches and child protection concerns, while also launching a separate probe into alleged student abuse at Berea Christian Academy of Excellence in Congo Town.
Unlicensed School Closed Over Multiple Violations
According to the MoE, its investigation into a widely circulated video involving the House of Prayer Institute revealed multiple violations of the Education Reform Act and Ministry regulations. The school has been operating without a valid Ministry of Education Operational Permit since its establishment in 2019, including after its reopening in 2025.
The Ministry said the institution was not registered in the official district database and that the District Education Office had no prior knowledge of its operations. Investigators also found that the school’s administrators did not meet minimum professional qualification standards, while the facility was deemed unsuitable for the levels being offered.
Further, the school lacked basic regulatory documentation, including child safeguarding and protection mechanisms. These compliance failures were compounded by the school’s decision to hire an entertainer whose performance—captured in the circulated video—was described by the Ministry as inappropriate for children and inconsistent with acceptable school-based activities.
As a result, the MoE ordered the school’s immediate temporary closure pending full compliance with all legal, administrative, and safeguarding requirements. The proprietor will also be fined in line with Ministry regulations for the period of illegal operation.
The Ministry said it is reviewing the case for possible referral to the Ministry of Gender, Children & Social Protection under national child protection frameworks. It will also engage parents and guardians of affected learners through the relevant District Education Office to ensure students are relocated to safe and accredited learning environments.
Reaffirming its commitment to learner safety and regulatory enforcement, the MoE warned that schools operating outside the law will be held accountable and urged parents to verify the accreditation status of institutions before enrollment.
MoE Probes Alleged Assault at Berea Christian Academy
In a separate development, the Ministry has launched an immediate investigation into a viral video allegedly showing a teacher physically assaulting students at Berea Christian Academy of Excellence (BCAE) in the Sophie Community, Congo Town.
If confirmed, the Ministry said, the incident would constitute a serious violation of its regulations, including the strict prohibition of corporal punishment in all educational institutions.
A fact-finding team has been deployed to engage the school’s administration, students, parents, and other stakeholders to establish the facts. The MoE said appropriate administrative actions will be taken in line with established policies once the investigation is concluded.
The Ministry reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on violence against students and called on all educators and school administrators to uphold professional standards, child protection principles, and Liberia’s education laws.
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