Min. Sonii Announces Teacher Recruitment Drive

-Reminds School Administrators Of Their Duties

The Minister of Education, Prof. Ansu D. Sonii has announced that the ministry is commencing a recruitment drive to fill teaching positions across the country in advance of the 2018/2019 academic year.

Speaking at a press conference held at the ministry, Minister Sonii called on all qualified Liberians wishing to help educate the next generation to begin making their applications, saying: “We want to welcome the application of qualified personnel wanting to work with the ministry. There will be an in-service training conducted before the next academic year to ensure teachers with command of the subject matter are dispatched to the classrooms.”

During the press conference, Minister Sonii also reminded school administrators of their duty to reimburse any fees paid by students for the West Africa Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). He reiterated the announcement by President George Manneh Weah that the government would cover fees for the exam in order to ensure that no student is denied the opportunity to advance their education.

He also warned school administrators not to graduate students from twelfth or ninth grade without the declaration of exam results from the West African Examination Council (WAEC). He emphasized that beginning in the 2018/2019 academic year, all school administrators will be mandated to ensure that any student who does not pass all six subjects required by WAEC must repeat the class. He noted that this is essential for elevating the quality of education provided in the Liberian school system and adequately preparing graduating students for further studies or employment.

He also announced that changes would be made to both the academic calendar and to the length of the school day. He emphasized that the school year will begin on September 3, and that no school will be permitted to open before or after that date. He also noted that the government is mandating the extension of school hours from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, to allow teachers sufficient time to teach the required curriculum.

However, the Minister said negotiations are underway with afternoon schools to design a workable time schedule to ensure they also cover the full curriculum prescribed by the Ministry of Education.

Further, Minister Sonii, has disclosed that the government of Liberia, in collaboration with its development partners, will soon establish a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) University in the country. He noted that the University will boost the government’s Pro-Poor Agenda by giving youth the skills they need to find meaningful employment.

Speaking of the establishment of the university, Minister Sonii said: “This initiative will transform the lives of young Liberians who go hours, and days doing nothing significant with their lives by elevating them into useful citizens that their parents and country can be proud of.”

Minister Sonii noted that several highlights from the recently-concluded education summit, including the introduction of skills training programs in all schools across the country and the establishment of a modern science laboratory in each county.