Africa-Press – Liberia. The World Bank Country Manager has praised the Liberian Government’s commitment to expanding and improving access to secondary education, describing it as an investment in the future of the country’s youth. The remarks were made during the commissioning ceremony of newly constructed senior secondary schools in Gbarnga, Bong County, and Ganta, Nimba County—part of the Improving Results in Secondary Education (IRISE) Project.
Speaking at the ceremony attended by President Joseph Boakai, Education Minister, and local officials, the World Bank’s Country Manager lauded the Government of Liberia and the Ministry of Education for their unwavering commitment to transforming the education sector despite numerous challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This commissioning is not just about new buildings. It’s a celebration of the unique atmosphere that defines a secondary school—an environment full of energy, excitement, ideas, and promise,” the Country Manager said. “Today marks the culmination of deep commitment and effort over time.”
Launched in July 2019, the $47 million IRISE project—financed by the World Bank—aimed to improve equitable access to quality secondary education and ensure continued learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. Over six years, the initiative has impacted more than 150 senior secondary schools across Liberia.
Key achievements under IRISE include:
Recruitment, training, and deployment of female guidance counselors in 156 schools;
Provision of scholarships for disadvantaged students;
Improvement of teaching quality and school management;
Production and distribution of core subject textbooks in English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics at a 1:1 ratio;
Investment in digital literacy and competency development;
Construction of modern educational facilities, including the schools commissioned in Bong and Nimba counties.
The Country Manager extended gratitude to the World Bank team, the Ministry of Education, and all stakeholders for their contributions to the successful implementation of the project. “Hearty kudos to the Honorable Minister and the Ministry of Education for seeing this to timely and successful completion,” she said.
Addressing students directly, the World Bank official encouraged them to embrace the opportunity and pursue their dreams. “Young people, we believe in you. You embody the bright, prosperous, and peaceful future of the Republic of Liberia. Seize this opportunity to learn, to grow, and to discover who you can become,” she said.
She concluded her remarks with an excerpt from Raider of the Treasure Trove, a poem featured in the newly introduced Grade 12 English textbook, urging students to find their purpose and pursue it with compassion and joy.
The IRISE project, now nearing completion, is being hailed as a milestone in Liberia’s education reform, symbolizing hope, progress, and the promise of a brighter future for generations to come.
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