By Amos Harris
Bong County, Liberia – July 21, 2025 – In a significant stride toward improving access to quality education in Liberia, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and the World Bank officially dedicated a newly constructed, state-of-the-art secondary school facility valued at US$1.6 million in Bong County. This modern educational infrastructure was built under the Improving Results in Secondary Education (IRISE) Project, funded by the World Bank, aiming to enhance learning conditions and promote inclusive education across Liberia.
Speaking at the dedication ceremony, President Boakai described the school as a powerful symbol of the government’s unwavering commitment to educational transformation under the ARREST Agenda. He called on students to fully embrace the new opportunities now available to them.
“This new school provides a good learning environment that helps you to stay focused,” President Boakai stated. “We urge all county officials and community members to protect and maintain this facility. More development is coming, and we deeply appreciate the collaboration of all stakeholders, especially the World Bank, for their continued support to Liberia’s development. Liberia will become the best in the sub-region.” The President emphasized that the government remains resolute in its drive to decentralize educational opportunities and build a solid foundation for Liberia’s youth.
Senator Prince K. Moye, also addressing the ceremony, lauded the Government of Liberia and the World Bank for what he termed a “transformative gift” to the youth of Bong County. “This $1.6 million investment is a critical step forward in empowering students,” Senator Moye noted, highlighting that “the facility includes computer labs, science laboratories, and a well-equipped library. These are tools for excellence.”
World Bank Country Manager Georgia Wallen affirmed the institution’s ongoing support for Liberia’s education sector. She pointed out that while the project had its roots in the previous administration, its completion under the Boakai-led government underscored a strong commitment to continuity and partnership. “Our support to Liberia’s education sector is firm; this project reflects the World Bank’s pledge to work with the government in taking education to every doorstep. It’s an opportunity for young people to access the tools needed for their academic journey,” she emphasized. Wallen urged students to seize this moment and utilize the facility to pursue academic excellence, which can help transform their lives and communities.
Education Minister, Professor Jarso Maley Jallah, praised the collaborative effort and reiterated the Ministry’s unwavering focus on upholding educational standards nationwide. “This school consists of 15 fully furnished classrooms, a science laboratory, and a resource center. We are working to ensure that no substandard school exists in Liberia and that every child is included under the ARREST Agenda,” Minister Jallah declared. She added that the project also aims to reduce the disadvantages faced by students in rural parts of the country.
Traditional leaders, county officials, and student representatives were also present at the dedication. Speaking on behalf of the students, a youth leader expressed profound gratitude to the government and the World Bank for providing a conducive learning environment that will benefit generations to come. “This is more than a building; it’s a beacon of hope for every student in Bong County,” the student leader remarked. “We thank the Government and the World Bank for putting smiles on our faces.” Local chiefs and elders in the region echoed these sentiments, describing the new school as “a blessing” and pledging their full support to safeguarding the facility.
The ceremony was attended by numerous dignitaries, including the County Development Superintendent, representatives from the six administrative districts of Bong County, civil society organizations, educational stakeholders, and international partners. The newly constructed secondary school stands as one of the most modern public educational facilities in central Liberia, setting a precedent for future government and development partner collaborations in the education sector.