In a significant move to strengthen the country’s education system, the Liberian government has begun transitioning 2,000 volunteer teachers onto the national payroll. The decision, announced by the Ministry of Education, will cover 56% of qualified volunteer educators across the country, offering long-awaited financial relief and recognition for their service.
For years, many teachers in Liberia have worked without government salaries, relying on community support or meager stipends while striving to educate the nation’s youth. Now, the Civil Service Agency (CSA) and the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning are rolling out the payroll integration, a move welcomed by educators and students alike.
Education Minister Dr. Jarso M. Jallah described the decision as a crucial step in improving Liberia’s education sector.
“Teachers are the backbone of our education system,” Dr. Jallah said. “Ensuring they are properly compensated will not only uplift their welfare but also enhance learning outcomes for our children.”
The initiative comes amid growing pressure from students and education advocates. Recently, students from the Monrovia Consolidated School System (MCSS) staged protests at the Capitol Building and the Executive Mansion, demanding that the government employ and pay their teachers so classes could resume. Many schools have faced disruptions due to teachers boycotting classes over unpaid wages.
While the move has been praised as progress, concerns linger over the remaining 44% of volunteer teachers who have yet to be placed on the payroll. Some educators fear being left behind, while others worry about delays in implementation.
The Ministry of Education has assured that efforts are ongoing to address these gaps. “This is just the beginning,” a ministry official stated. “We are committed to ensuring that all qualified teachers receive fair compensation in due time.”
Education advocates have cautiously welcomed the development but urge the government to expedite the process. “Paying these 2,000 teachers is a good start, but thousands more are still waiting,” said James Kolleh, a teachers’ union representative. “We need a clear timeline for when all volunteer teachers will be absorbed.”
If successfully implemented, this initiative could mark a turning point for Liberia’s education sector, which has long struggled with teacher shortages, unpaid wages, and frequent strikes. For the 2,000 teachers now set to receive salaries, the change brings hope for stability, and for students, the promise of uninterrupted learning.
As the government moves forward with the payroll integration, all eyes remain on whether this promise will translate into lasting change for Liberia’s schools. For now, many teachers and students are breathing a sigh of relief, hopeful that better days are ahead.
