The Ministry of Education (MOE) is under scrutiny for failing to implement its recently announced education policy aimed at reducing financial constraints on students.
This new policy, which limits graduation fees to a maximum of $100 USD, was initially praised but now faces criticism due to apparent non-enforcement.
The Ministry’s directive to cap graduation fees at $100 USD was seen as a significant step towards alleviating the financial burdens on students and their families.
Many praised the Ministry, particularly its minister, for this decision, hoping it would bring much-needed relief. However, since the announcement, there has been little to no enforcement, raising questions about the Ministry’s commitment to its own policy.
Reports from Verity News reveal that numerous public and private high schools continue to charge graduation fees exceeding the $100 USD cap.
Despite these violations, the Ministry has not taken any visible action against these institutions.
This lack of enforcement suggests that the policy might be more about attracting public attention than effecting real change.
The high cost of graduation fees has long been a barrier for many families in Liberia, where the economic situation is already challenging. Prior to the policy, many private and faith-based schools were charging as much as $200 for graduation fees.
This new policy aimed to cut these fees by 50%, a move that was expected to ease the financial strain on students and parents.
J. Maxine Bleethan, Director for the Division of Communications and Public Relations at the MOE, emphasized that the reduction in graduation fees was intended to ensure that education remains accessible to all.
“Education is a necessity and we must ensure no child is left behind,” Bleethan stated in an official release.
Bleethan also praised a few school administrators who have adhered to the new policy.
Life International School and Zion Grace, for instance, reduced their fees from $200 to $100 and from $150 to $100, respectively.
These actions were meant to demonstrate the Ministry’s commitment to improving the state of higher education in Liberia.
However, the broader education system in Liberia remains fraught with challenges.
Former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf once described Liberia’s education system as “massive” but plagued by significant issues such as a shortage of teachers, under-qualified instructors, poor teaching performance, low learning outcomes, limited resources, and inadequate infrastructure.
These challenges highlight the urgent need for systemic reforms and effective policy implementation.
According to UNICEF, Liberia has one of the world’s highest levels of out-of-school children. Over a third of preschoolers have no access to early childhood learning programs, and only 54% of children complete primary education.
These statistics underscore the critical importance of making education more accessible and affordable.
Bleethan has called on other educational institutions to follow the lead of those that have reduced their fees. He stressed that lowering graduation fees will not only alleviate financial pressures but also serve as motivation for students aspiring to higher education.
The MOE’s initiative to reduce graduation fees is a pivotal step towards ensuring that economic hardship does not impede educational attainment.
However, without rigorous enforcement, the policy risks being nothing more than a well-intentioned but ineffective gesture.
For the policy to have its intended impact, the Ministry must take decisive action against schools that flout the rules and ensure that all institutions comply with the fee cap.
In conclusion, while the Ministry of Education’s policy to reduce graduation fees is a commendable effort, its success hinges on effective implementation and enforcement.
The MOE must demonstrate its commitment to this policy by holding violators accountable and ensuring that no student is left behind due to financial constraints.
Only then can the true benefits of this policy be realized, contributing to a more equitable and accessible education system in Liberia.
