MONROVIA, LIBERIA-The Director of Secondary Education at the MasterCard Foundation, James Mclntyre, has stressed that education is not just a ladder to employment, but a pathway to dignity and opportunity.
Speaking at the “Leaders in Teaching” program, McIntyre called on Liberians to take ownership of the initiative, describing it as a national responsibility and a major milestone in the country’s education reform.
He explained that the program is designed to improve the quality of secondary education by investing in teachers, school leaders, and systems that support learning.
According to him, the initiative, funded by the MasterCard Foundation and implemented by Education Development Center (EDC), will support teacher recruitment, training, and school leadership across Liberia.
The program is built around four pillars, recruiting teachers with a focus on young women and STEM subjects, improving pre- and in-service teacher training, among others.
These pillars are supported by systems that aim to raise learning outcomes and prepare young people for the world of work.
At the same time, the Project Director of Education Development Center (EDC), Madam Amy Deal, says Liberia must ensure that marginalized young women, learners with disabilities, have equitable access to quality education.
Madam Deal emphasized that education must equip young people for roles in green and blue economy sectors vital to sustainable growth, cleaner energy, and resilient communities.
She said,” The Leaders in Teaching Liberia initiative, which emphasizes STEM and other 21st century skills, is designed to help build a generation ready to drive innovation and shape inclusive futures”.
The program is being implemented in close partnership with the Ministry of Education, EDC, national and regional organizations, with strategic support from the MasterCard Foundation.
Madam Amy Deal praised the collaborative spirit behind the initiative, noting that each partner brings deep expertise from teacher development and school leadership to youth engagement and community mobilization.
For her part, former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has called on Liberians to take ownership of the “Leaders in Teaching” program, describing it as the future of Liberia and a national responsibility that goes beyond donors and organizers.
Speaking on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at the kick-off workshop held in Monrovia, Madam Sirleaf said,” The success of the initiative depends on every Liberian seeing education as the foundation of development and acting to support it”.
She applauded the efforts of the Minister of Education, Dr. Jarso Jallah, for her exceptional leadership.
The Former Liberian President also praised the presence of government officials, including the Minister of Justice and members of the National Legislature, noting that their involvement shows cross-sector commitment.
Madam Johnson-Sirleaf stressed that an educated population is key to national progress.
She said,” Education empowers citizens to be self-reliant, contribute meaningfully to development, and attract private investment”.
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