By Ben T.C. Brooks
Webo High School is facing a critical shortage of qualified teachers in key subject areas, raising alarm over the preparedness of students set to sit the upcoming West African Senior School Certificate Examination – WASSCE.
Madam, Maria Y. Walker, principal of the Webo high school disclosed that the institution currently lacks specialized teachers in English, Physics, Economics, and Geography, subjects that are essential components of the regional examination.
The situation has placed the 15 registered WASSCE candidates at disadvantage.
“This is a serious challenge for us,” Walker said. “We are doing everything possible to support our students, but the absence of subject-specific teachers is affecting both the quality of instruction and students’ understanding of key concepts.”
Founded in the 1970s, Webo high school is a government-run institution located in Konronoken, electoral district 3, approximately 70 kilometers from Fish-Town, the capital of River Gee County.
For decades, the school has served as a major center of learning for communities within the southeastern region.
Despite its long-standing role, the school is now struggling to maintain academic standards.
Authorities say the issue has been reported to county officials, but no concrete action has been taken.
Community members are increasingly worried. Matthew Doe, a resident of Webo, expressed doubts about students’ chances of success.
“I am not sure our children will pass the WASSCE successfully because there are no qualified teachers to properly teach them,” he said. “Some parents who can afford it are sending their children to Pleebo or Fish-Town for better education.”
Students have also voiced frustration over the situation. One 12th-grade student, who requested anonymity, described inconsistent teaching and frequent absenteeism among instructors.
“Sometimes we go to school and there are no teachers to explain lessons clearly or no teachers at all,” the student said. “Many of my friends who and I started schooling here have already left because of the poor learning conditions.”
When contacted the Webo District Education Officer Madam Miatta Fofina has acknowledged the shortage, noting that the county education authorities are aware of the issue, but with no immediate solution has been announced.
For his part, County Education Officer of River Gee, Jallah Sammy acknowledged the shortage of teachers, noting that his office is intensifying efforts to deploy qualified educators to the school and other institutions facing similar staffing gaps.
Reports indicate that Webo High School has recorded poor WASSCE performance over the past years, a trend that could worsen without urgent intervention.
Local residents of the district are calling for the immediate deployment of qualified teachers and additional academic support programs.
As the WASSCE draws closer, the situation underscores broader challenges facing rural education in Liberia, where limited access to trained teachers continues to hinder student achievement.
In a related development, authority of the Webo High School has begun rehabilitating its long-damaged annex building, offering a glimmer of hope to students and staff.
The annex was severely damaged during a violent storm on March 23, 2023, rendering much of the structure unsafe. Before the incident, the building accommodated 9th and 10th grade students.
According to Principal Walker, the destruction led to overcrowded classrooms and a decline in student enrollment.
“The situation has been extremely difficult for both students and teachers,” she said, stressing the urgent need for improved learning facilities.
Walker revealed that several appeals were made to the Ministry of Education and development partners, but no substantial support was received.
However, some progress has been made following the intervention of the county electoral district 3 Representative Johnson SN Williams, who donated 21 bundles of zinc roofing sheets and three cartons of zinc nails to support the reconstruction.
While the gesture has jump-started the project, challenges remain, as the school still requires additional materials particularly planks and skilled labor to complete the work.
A recent visit to the campus by our reporter confirmed that the annex had remained abandoned for years, placing additional pressure on existing facilities.
Madam Walker emphasized that completing the rehabilitation is critical, not only to reduce overcrowding but also to maintain academic standards and ensure a conducive learning environment.
As Webo High School works to overcome both staffing and infrastructure challenges, education stakeholders say urgent and sustained support will be essential to secure a better future for students in the district.
