The principal of Ganta United Methodist School, Reverend James Y. Korlorblee, has urged the national government to address what he referred to as a “Government Segregation Policy.”

Speaking at the 38th graduation ceremony of the school recently, Korlorblee expressed the need for the government to treat all schools, both private and public, equally to prevent any form of segregation.

He emphasized that, as the overseer of all academic activities in the country, the government should aim to bridge the gap between private and public schools, as the current policy seems to favor public schools more. He highlighted the importance of treating all schools holistically and ensuring that resources and support are provided fairly.

“We hope that there will be a thorough review of the government’s policies on education where all schools in Liberia will be treated holistically, so as to avoid segregation in any form between private and public schools,” he said.

The principal did not delve into the specifics of the segregation policy, but it is widely believed that public schools receive more attention and resources, while private or faith-based schools often receive little to no assistance.

Korlorblee called on the newly elected government to work towards reducing the disparity between public and private schools by 50%. This, he believes, will provide more accessible quality education to all Liberians.

“It is my hope that in the new Liberia, the gap between government-owned schools and the private or faith-based schools will be narrowed by 50% to afford easy access to quality education for all Liberians,” he said.

Established in 1926 as a nursery school, the Ganta United Methodist School has a rich educational history. On December 30, 2023, the school celebrated the graduation of over 141 students who successfully passed the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSE). In 2026, the school will be celebrating its centenary. 

During the graduation ceremony, Mr. Emmett T. Sanoe, the guest speaker, stressed the importance of introducing extracurricular activities for students. He emphasized that these activities would help students make informed career choices after graduation.

“Students become more motivated, self-directed learners when they understand the relationship between academics, career and education planning and achieving their own career goals,” Mr. Sanoe said.

Sanoe, a seasoned banker, said that when students understand the connection between academics, career planning, and personal goals, they become more motivated and self-directed learners. He advocated for the inclusion of activities that enable students to discover their interests and talents.

“Your career shouldn’t be tele-guided by friends. Rather, it should focus on what you were good at in your high school days,” he said.

In his valedictory speech, student representative Nyan Zeantoe encouraged his fellow graduates to embrace innovation and transformation. He reminded them that their journey would lead to encountering new experiences and meeting new people.

Meanwhile, the principal expressed his hope for a future Liberia that prioritizes education, regardless of whether students are enrolled in private, boarding, community, or public schools. As they look ahead, the principal and the school community hope for an educational landscape that provides equal opportunities for all students in Liberia.