Gov’t Urged to Invest in Pre-School Education

The government of Liberia has been called upon to make more investments in preschool education that attend to the developmental characteristics of the learners -- going far beyond the mere “day-care,” system.

This call was made by David S. Menjor, a reporter of the Daily Observer Newspaper, who argued that investing in quality early childhood education will  not only help children but it is a long-term boost to the country's education sector as the foundation of thousands of kids would be strong — and carefully planned and provided, secondary and senior secondary education stands to benefit substantially.

He framed the investment in preschool education as an investment in the nation’s economic future that would boost the middle class since such a move could be aimed at pushing preschools to adopt curricula that better prepares them for advanced education.

“Early childhood education is very important. We all know that the foundation of anything is very important. Therefore, the government should see the need to make some investment in the sector to give thousands of Liberian kids that solid education foundation they are lacking,” he said.

“Quality preschool education is the bedrock of every nation.  And if Liberia needs that human development, it needs to start making investments right now. Liberia’s progress depends substantially on how much attention early childhood development in schools is given.”

Menjor spoke while serving as a proxy for the Publisher and founder of the Daily Observer Newspaper, veteran journalist Kenneth Y. Best, at the preschool graduation exercise of El-Shadai Children’s Reading Center, Daycare, and Elementary School in Johnsonville.

He spoke on the theme, “The importance of early childhood education in Liberia.”

Menjor, who is also a former classroom teacher, was specific in talking about the basic things students need to learn or acquire as they grow up.

“Knowing that it is the foundation, the first thing that comes to mind is the study habit of a child beginning his or her learning. The practice to read is cardinal. As a country, Liberia is not at its best yet but everyone can do something to bring out the best in the education system.”

Menjor told the graduating class parents that now that school has closed, they should ensure that education continues at home rather than playing and having fun all through the vacation.

“It goes beyond waiting for results from the school you send your child to. It even goes beyond attending a closing program after an academic year has come to an end. It is our responsibility to ensure our children receive the right discipline while they are with us in our respective homes. Helping a child to learn how to read and write or even improve in other areas of his or her learning is not an exclusive responsibility of a school,” he said.

He admonished the graduate parents and guardians to live good exemplary lives so as not to corrupt the minds of the children often referred to as “future generation or hope for a country or family.”

Varney Sando, the dux of the graduating class thanked his parents as well as others of his fellow graduates for paying tuition and fees and caring for them.

To his teachers and school administration, Sando said they are the heroes because they are involved in preparing future professional nurses, doctors, other educators as well as responsible citizens who will have to take over the affairs of leadership at different levels in the future.

“Early childhood education is key to the progress of a nation and we are pleased that as children, you care about our future,” he added.

El-Shaddai school was founded in July 2018 by Lucia Johnson and it operates Daycare up to Grade six. There were nineteen preschool graduates.