Cestos, Rivercess County – July 22, 2025:
A severe education crisis has emerged at the Government Central Elementary and Junior High School as the institution records an unprecedented number of student dropouts for the 2024/2025 academic year.
Timbo District Education Officer, George T K. Nganjaine, made the disclosure on Tuesday during the school’s graduation and closing ceremony held in Cestos City. He described the situation as “very high and extremely alarming,” warning that the future of the district’s children is under serious threat if immediate interventions are not taken.
Mr. Nganjaine noted with deep concern that many of the students who have dropped out are now astray, with no clear direction, and are at risk of becoming wasted human resources within society.
“This high rate of dropouts is dangerous for our district and for the future of Rivercess. These children are supposed to be in school, but they are now astray, and if nothing is done urgently, they will become a waste in society,” he lamented.
The Timbo School District Education Officer called on parents, guardians, and community leaders to take urgent steps to ensure that all dropped-out students are returned to the classroom by the next academic year.
“Education is the only way to change their lives and make them better people for their families, community, and country. Parents must exhort every effort to bring these children back to school,” Mr. Nganjaine urged.
Meanwhile, the keynote speaker at the graduation ceremony encouraged the graduates to remain focused on their education despite the challenges they may face.
The speaker emphasized that education remains the strongest tool for overcoming poverty and underdevelopment, and urged them to remain determined in their academic journey.
The revelation of the high dropout rate comes at a time when Liberia is striving to improve its educational sector to meet global standards. It also raises critical concerns about the socio-economic challenges forcing children out of school in rural counties such as Rivercess.
