Ben TC Brooks
In a significant moved to improve educational quality in River Gee County, the County Education Officer has unveiled an extensive plan to reallocate teachers and implement strategic measures designed to elevate educational standards in the area.
Set to take effect in the upcoming academic year 2025/2026, the plan aims to tackle persistent challenges within the education system and offer students enhanced learning opportunities.
During an interview with our reporter on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, County Education Officer Jallah Sammy detailed the plan’s primary components, stressing the critical role of qualified teachers in every school and the necessity of efficient resource distribution.
“Our main goal is to guarantee that every child in River Gee has access to quality education, which starts by placing the right teachers in the right schools,” said the CEO.
The teacher reassignment process will include a comprehensive review of educators’ performance, qualifications, and the unique needs of schools throughout the county.
Sammy said schools facing challenges will be prioritized for teacher reassignment, ensuring that experienced educators are strategically positioned to create the greatest impact.
The strategy is designed to cultivate an atmosphere of academic excellence and enhance overall student achievement.
To assess the effectiveness of the reallocation process and its impact on student outcomes, a robust monitoring system has been put in place, as a data-driven approach will allow for swift adjustments to address any emerging challenges.
Sammy also emphasized the significance of establishing collaborations with non-governmental organizations, local businesses, and educational stakeholders to acquire resources and support for the educational framework in River Gee.
Continuing training sessions and workshops will be held to provide educators with the most up-to-date teaching methodologies and pedagogical techniques.
According to CEO Sammy, this professional development is essential for improving instructional quality and increasing teacher involvement.
He however mentioned that education ministry has committed to improving the distribution of educational resources, including textbooks and technological tools, to ensure that all schools are adequately equipped to provide high-quality education, particularly at the junior and senior high levels.
Sammy also noted that there are over 200 volunteer teachers in River Gee County, with more than 100 currently transitioning to the government payroll.
Recently, former classroom teacher Maichel Wesseh highlighted a concerning issue, revealing that over 150 students at Dartuken Public School in the Tienpo statutory district are unable to attend school due to a lack of teachers. This issue has caught the attention of many local residents, particularly parents in the district.
Numerous other schools within River Gee County have also closed their doors, suffering from similar teacher shortages and deteriorating infrastructure, an issue that has drawn the concern of many local residents, especially parents.
The current teacher-to-student ratio is 1:32, which equates to a maximum of seven teachers available for every 225 students. This situation contrasts sharply with other educational systems across the nation.
According to the Ministry of Education’s 2022 School Census reported that River Gee County is home to approximately 23,000 students, with around 19,000 enrolled in public schools supported by 711 teachers across 103 facilities. Out of 472 classrooms available in the county, only 154 are considered safe for use.
As the plan progresses, the River Gee community will be observing closely to see how these plans will influence the future of education in River Gee County.
