Excellence in Learning in Liberia

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Liberia’s education system produces very low levels of learning for students in primary education. A recent assessment of third grade literacy shows students being able to read just 14 words per minute (wpm), which is far below the curricular goal of 35 wpm in second grade. In addition, the education system continues to have considerable challenges related to access, due to an inadequate learning environment characterized by insufficient and inadequately maintained learning spaces, and limited financial support to schools for operational expenses that shifts the cost burden of education to households. These quality and access challenges are in part the result of weak management, technical and operational capacity as reflected in the low number of staff and teachers who are qualified, as well as the limited data to measure the performance of the education system and a corresponding low ability to plan, course-correct and take appropriate action. Gender based violence against women and girls is high in the country. Only 15 girls out of 100 who begin primary school advance to senior secondary school (grade 10). Safety from sexual violence in schools is also a significant concern. The socio-cultural setting of the country limits students with disability and aspiring girl students to avail education and complete the education cycle. Based on these requirements, the project would address many of the above needs and challenges. It would cover three substantive components: (i) Improving Foundational Learning for all; (ii) Improving Access; and (iii) System Strengthening to Deliver Foundational Learning.