The Educate HER Coalition, through the Paramount Young Women Initiative (PAYOWI), held an engagement meeting in Nyan Town, Todee District, to discuss budget advocacy and girls’ education challenges under the National Policy on Girls’ Education (NPGE 2021–2026).
The meeting, attended by local authorities, students, youth groups, and education stakeholders, formed part of ongoing efforts to strengthen community participation in the implementation of the NPGE.
The opening session featured remarks from the District Education Officer (DEO), a representative from the commissioner’s office, and the General Town Chief of Todee.
These officials welcomed participants and commended the Educate HER Coalition for advancing discussions on education and gender equity.
PAYOWI’s representative, Rachel Cole, presented an overview of the Educate HER project, highlighting its goals of promoting girls’ education and addressing barriers to school attendance, retention, and completion.
She emphasized the importance of community involvement in ensuring accountability and sustainability.
Following the overview, the session transitioned into an interactive question-and-answer segment.
Participants raised several issues affecting schools in the district, particularly regarding funding and the welfare of teachers and students.
Thomas Karnga Brown led a presentation on Liberia’s national budget, explaining how education financing is structured.
He outlined how communities can influence the national budget through their elected representatives and by including education priorities in local development agendas.
During the discussion, Madam Comfort inquired about the situation of volunteer teachers in public schools. Responding to her concern, Mr. Edwin T. Sherman clarified that the matter falls under the purview of the Ministry of Education.
He added that the Government of Liberia has allocated four million U.S. dollars to address the issue of volunteer teachers nationwide.
Student representative Abigail Kollie from Dekegar Public School questioned why students are asked to pay additional fees after registration, including a reported L$2,000 payment for janitorial services.
Her concerns were echoed by other students who expressed frustration over hidden charges.
Youth advocate Solomon S. Sanders noted that despite these payments, students often do not benefit from adequate school services.
He called for transparency and accountability in how school funds are managed.
Student Ritta from Koun Town Public School also raised issues of poor learning conditions.
She highlighted the lack of classroom chairs, inadequate blackboards, and the absence of proper toilets.
She added that female students are forced to use nearby bushes and have no access to sanitary pads.
A panel discussion moderated by Khalifa L. Dunor from CDI followed, featuring representatives from the DEO’s office, student leadership, youth groups, and civil society.
The panel explored questions around the national budget process and the role of students in education planning.
Responding to a question on government budget formulation, the DEO explained that before the Ministry of Education finalizes its annual budget, school administrators are invited by the County Education Officer to submit their needs and priorities.
This process, he said, helps ensure local concerns are reflected in national education plans.
The student leader on the panel stressed the importance of student participation in budget formulation.
She said involving students would help identify pressing issues such as access to sanitary pads, classroom improvements, adequate seating, and the need for accountability at the school level.
Key challenges identified during the engagement included the shortage of female-friendly facilities, lack of sanitary materials, insufficient classroom furniture, the prevalence of volunteer teachers, poor communication between school administrations and students, and limited student participation in decision-making.
Civil society representatives underscored their role in advocacy and budget monitoring.
They emphasized the need for continuous awareness, participation in public budget hearings, and tracking the impact of government spending on education.
The meeting concluded with several action points and recommendations.
Participants agreed to follow up on the national budget formulation process, increase public awareness, and strengthen stakeholder involvement. They also recommended that the Government of Liberia place volunteer teachers on payroll, address menstrual hygiene management in schools, and empower community members—especially students, administrators, chiefs, and elders—to participate in education budgeting and monitoring.
The session ended with attendance confirmation and the sharing of lunch among participants, marking another milestone in the Educate HER Coalition’s ongoing advocacy for equitable and quality education for all girls in Liberia.
