MONROVIA – Symthe Road, Old Road Montserrado County- Oak Tree Academy’s Fourth Africa Day Program unfolded as a vibrant showcase of heritage, language, and learning.
By Jaheim T. Tumu-jaheim.tumu@frontpageafricaonline.com
Students recited poetry, danced to rhythms drawn from Liberia’s 16 ethnic groups, and spoke in multiple indigenous tongues, all underscoring the school’s mission to root education in cultural pride while preparing children to compete globally.
The day’s performances reflected the academy’s philosophy, that education must be both culturally grounded and academically rigorous.
Student Maya Flomo’s recital of the African poem “My Root” set the tone, reminding the audience of the deep ties between identity and upbringing.
Group Four’s urban dance electrified the crowd, while Group Two comprising ten students, performed dances representing each of Liberia’s ethnic traditions.
Their choreography symbolized unity in diversity, a lesson embedded in the academy’s curriculum.
Students demonstrated fluency in Kpelleh, Kissi, Bassa, Mano, Kru, and several other Liberian languages, even adding a Ghanaian dialect to the mix.
This multilingual display reinforced the academy’s commitment to cultural literacy. The program reached its peak when Mohammed S. Sheriff delivered his address, “The Pride of Africa,” a stirring reminder of the continent’s resilience and promise while explaining Liberia’s historical foundation.
In an interview with FrontPageAfrica, Madam Lovette Azango Tucker, co founder and principal, said the Africa Day celebration was not just about cultural expression but about reinforcing the academy’s guiding principle.
“Our school is grounded in its principle to educate children to be comparable to other students around the world,” she explained.
Tucker emphasized that global competitiveness begins with strong foundations at home, and Oak Tree Academy is determined to provide that.
Madam Tupee Freeman, co founder and educator, also added her own uncompromising perspective.
She insisted that language discipline is central to the academy’s mission and that it is non-negotiable. “There is no room for broken English at Oak Tree Academy. I call myself the school police because I make sure every child speaks properly,” Freeman said with conviction.
Madam Freeman’s remark underscored a serious point mastery of language is non negotiable.
The academy currently runs from kindergarten through sixth grade, a deliberate choice to focus on early development.
Freeman explained: “The purpose not to extend for now is to build a strong foundation for Liberian students. Too many of our children struggle to read. I had my own education sojourn in the United Kingdom — it showed me that Liberian students can accomplish whatever they set out to do, if the foundation is stronger.”
She stressed that reading fluency is within the curriculum. “Our students can challenge other students, because reading fluently is embedded in everything we do,” Freeman said.
Madam Tucker highlighted how this philosophy translates into measurable outcomes. “The students, even as K 1, are articulate and can read 30 words per minute. It doesn’t have to be bigger words, but the basic words. That fluency matters,” she explained.
Tucker further emphasized the academy’s focus on phonics. “We take a keen interest in the students’ phonetic abilities. The kids can break big words down into syllables and pronounce them phonetically.
That skill gives them confidence and prepares them for higher learning,” she noted. This attention to phonics reflects a belief that literacy is the cornerstone of academic success. By ensuring that children master the mechanics of reading early, Oak Tree Academy positions them to excel in higher grades and beyond.
The impact of Oak Tree Academy’s philosophy is not lost on parents. In an interview with FrontPageAfrica, Mrs. Nyonblee Brown, who attended the Africa Day program, expressed pride in her daughter’s progress.
“My daughter has achieved a lot since she enrolled at the school. Sometimes she corrects me at home whenever I mistakenly say something.
She will say, ‘Mommy, that is not what you should have said.’ And I always jokingly tell her, ‘This is not Oak Tree Academy school campus,’” Brown recounted with a smile.
Brown explained that her daughter’s confidence in language and reading is a direct result of the academy’s emphasis on foundational skills.
“I am proud of what my daughter has achieved so far. The school has given her the tools to be articulate and disciplined,” she said.
Although her daughter will soon graduate from the school, she pleaded for the school to extend its classes beyond the current limit.
“I have asked the school authority to consider going beyond sixth grade. Parents like me want our children to continue in this environment where the foundation is strong,” she said.
According to Brown, the school’s leadership has explained that its principle is to focus on foundational education.
“They told me the school’s principle is to build a strong base for students. And I understand that, but I also hope they can expand so our children can continue to benefit,” she added
