By: Peter Kollie| Lofa County Correspondent
Salayea District, Lofa County –Wednesday, June 4, 2025- The newly assigned District Education Officer (DEO) of Salayea, Mr. Henry Lloyd, has outlined a series of ongoing initiatives aimed at improving education standards and administrative efficiency across the district.
Speaking recently on the Alternative Breakfast Show, Mr. Lloyd disclosed that he officially received his letter of assignment in October 2024 and took over duties in December. He said he has since been actively working to correct past lapses and align his efforts with the guidelines of the Ministry of Education.
“This is my first time working in Lofa County, and I must commend the citizens of Salayea for the warm welcome and support,” Mr. Lloyd stated.
While responding to a question about his experience, the DEO emphasized that although this is his first time serving as a District Education Officer, he is not new to the education sector. “I have worked with the Ministry of Education for 19 years, serving as principal at various schools. My long years of service and experience prepared me for this role,” he emphasized.
Mr. Lloyd explained that upon taking over, one of his priorities was to revive the long-inactive Principals’ Association in the district. “We decentralized the meetings and have so far held them at Salayea Public School and Sucromu Public School. The third meeting is scheduled for Gbonyea Public School,” he revealed.
In a bid to strengthen community engagement, Mr. Lloyd said he has initiated the establishment of a District Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) to enhance school administration and accountability.
He further highlighted that for over 15 years, there had been no graduation ceremonies for Kindergarten, 6th Grade, and 9th Grade students in the district; a practice he described as contrary to Ministry of Education policy.
“These graduations are important. They motivate students and encourage parents to take education seriously,” Mr. Lloyd noted.
The DEO also spoke about ongoing consultations with stakeholders to restore Gleh Public School in Gangolota to its former status as a full high school. “The Ministry’s records show it as a high school, but it’s currently operating as a junior high. We are pushing for it to return to high school level by next academic year,” he said.
Mr. Lloyd emphasized the need for regular PTA meetings, urging school administrators to engage parents every academic period to keep them informed about their children’s progress.
In an effort to promote financial transparency and safety, Mr. Lloyd disclosed that schools are being encouraged to open bank accounts rather than keeping funds at home. “Out of the 21 public schools in Salayea, 18 have opened bank accounts, and we are working with the remaining three to complete the process,” he confirmed.
Mr. Lloyd assured the people of Salayea that he remains committed to serving the district with diligence and bringing meaningful improvements to the education sector.
Edited: Jesefu Morris Keita |Editor-In-Chief
