By: Peter Kollie| Lofa County Correspondent
Zorzor, Lofa County –Saturday, September 6, 2025-Sixty-nine trainees have graduated from the Early Childhood Development (ECD) In-service Teacher Training Program at the Zorzor Rural Teacher Training Institute, marking a milestone in efforts to strengthen foundational learning in Liberia.
The program, which brought together teachers from Bong, Lofa, and Nimba counties, was designed as refresher training for volunteer teachers in Liberia’s public schools. According to the Academic Dean of the institution, Mr. Edwin Baysah Ballah, the training began on July 28, 2025, and was conducted simultaneously at the three Rural Teacher Training Institutes across the country.
Mr. Ballah explained that the initiative aimed to enhance teachers’ skills in mentoring, child-centered approaches, classroom management, and assessment practices. It also focused on helping teachers to plan, teach, and evaluate the early childhood curriculum, as well as identify children with special needs. A total of 216 teachers participated nationwide, guided by 12 master trainers across the three institutions.
Speaking at the graduation, the Director of the Zorzor Rural Teacher Training Institute, Mr. Abe Kortu Kerkula, emphasized the importance of foundational education. “If we had focused on early childhood education years back, the rate of illiteracy in the country would have been reduced,” he said. “It is never too late to do the best, and we are putting everything into building strong foundations.”
Mr. Kerkula expressed delight that 98 percent of the participants were women, noting, “Early education is more than just a profession; it is the foundation we set for future generations.” He urged the graduates to use the skills and compassion acquired to guide young children through their first steps in education.
Delivering the valedictory address, Ms. Mary A. Konneh praised her colleagues for their determination. “We began this journey with curiosity and ended with new skills, friendships, and dreams for the future,” she said. She reminded her fellow graduates that education is a lifelong investment, adding: “When women lead, communities and nations rise.”
Guest speaker Mr. James P. Kwabo applauded the government’s commitment to early childhood education under the ARREST agenda, but cautioned that challenges remain. He revealed that 15–20% of Liberian children between ages 6 and 14 are still out of school, only 54% complete primary education, and nearly 40% are overage for their grade.
“You are the foundation builders of Liberia,” Mr. Kwabo told the graduates. “Every nation is built first in the classroom. When you invest in teachers, you invest in every profession.”
Meanwhile, Hon. Clarence Massaquoi, Chairman of the Liberia Telecommunication Authority, who served as special guest, pledged further support. He announced that the nine top-performing trainees will be given the opportunity to pursue higher education in teaching at universities of their choice, in collaboration with county education authorities.
Mr. Massaquoi also promised to provide a Starlink internet set for installation at the Zorzor Rural Teacher Training Institute to support research and improve the learning process.
The graduation marked not just an academic achievement but also a renewed commitment to laying strong educational foundations for Liberia’s future.
