Monrovia — One hundred female teachers in training risk dropping out of their certification program at the Liberia Standard Teacher College (STTC) unless they receive urgent financial assistance. These teachers, many from low-income backgrounds, strive to earn their 'C' Certificate in teacher education, but without immediate support, their educational dreams may be shattered.
In an exclusive interview with The Liberian Investigator on July 20, 2024, Madam Esther Z. Jallah, the Student Council President, emphasized the dire need for financial aid. She explained that despite reaching out to high-profile government officials, embassies, and private institutions, they have yet to secure any support.
"We wrote to the offices of the president, and Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Justice, Education, Finance and Development-Planning, and MDs of the National Port Authority, Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation, UNDP, UNFPA, and all nearby embassies, but it has been very difficult to get any positive signal from them," Madam Jallah said.
The program requires US$15,000 to cover the fees for all trainees, with each trainee needing US$150 for the 12-month course. Including administrative and teaching materials, the total cost rises to over US$37,000.
"Even though adding the administrative, teaching materials, and other major costs brings the total to over US$37,000, any assistance would make a significant impact," stressed Madam Veronica A. Sandimennie, one of the teachers. She pointed out that their low incomes cannot cover these costs.
Madam Sandimennie called for immediate financial intervention from the government, NGOs, and other supporters of Liberia's education system. She underscored that this support is crucial for the trainees to acquire essential pedagogical knowledge and classroom management skills.
Rev. Andrew S. Fayiah, Sr., the National Training Director of STTC, highlighted the program's goal to equip female teachers with the qualifications and skills needed to enhance their teaching capabilities, especially in Early Childhood Development. However, the trainees' fees remain a significant obstacle.
"Our major challenge is the payment of their fees; we have considered them for two semesters now without a dime," Rev. Fayiah said.
Rev. Fayiah emphasized that financial support for the program would significantly increase the number of trained teachers, particularly in underserved areas, aligning with the Ministry of Education's sector plan and the sustainable development goal of inclusive and equitable education for all.
He detailed that the program focuses on effective classroom instruction, pedagogical knowledge, classroom management techniques, psychosocial skills, literacy development strategies, assessment techniques, differentiated instruction, and cultural sensitivity and diversity.
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"The financial estimate for the program is US$37,260, which covers the school fees for the trainees; the graduation fees will be determined at the end of the training and are not included in the estimate," Rev. Fayiah added.
Rev. Fayiah and the teachers in training appealed to humanitarians, key government actors, and passionate citizens to contribute towards this vital educational endeavor for the benefit of Liberia's young students.
