GANTA, NIMBA COUNTY, LIBERIA-The Ministry of Education says it needs at least one-billion United States Dollars to fully implement the Education Sector Plan (ESP), for the next five years.

Already, the Liberian Government has made initial contribution of five-million US Dollars towards the actualization of the plan.

Education Minister Ansu Sonii said:” The ESP can only be achievable through increased support from Government and its international partners.”

Minister Sonii announced the projected education fund for the ESP over the weekend at the close of a week-long Joint Education Sector Review Conference in Ganta, Nimba County.

Meanwhile, Minister Sonii has hailed partners in education for the support to transform the Country’s Education System.

He said gains made in the Sector, over the five years, could not have been possible without the support of education partners.

At the same time, several international partners working in Education have pledged their commitments to ensure the recently adopted ESP is achieved.

Some of the partners, including the EU, SAID, World Bank, and the Global Partners for Education, assured their unwavering commitments to the plan.

The partners believe implementing the five-year strategic plan for education is crucial to harnessing the Country’s Human Capital Development.

They added that transforming education is one of the surest ways to achieving national development and growth.

Meanwhile, Sinoe County Senator MilitonTeahjay has described bribery in Liberian Schools as a key factor that continues to undermine the Country’s Education Sector.

Senator Teahjay wants corrective measures instituted by education authorities, against widespread briberies in the Sector.

He said: “Bribery in the school system has lowered competition among students, thus having a negative impact on learning outcomes.”

The Sinoe County Lawmaker, however, lauded the Education Ministry for ongoing efforts to transforming the Sector.

By: Emmanuel Kollie