KAKATA – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has renewed his government’s commitment to educational revitalization and national development by prioritizing the growth of regions outside the capital specifically through the modernization of educational facilities.
By Emmanuel Weedee-Conway
Speaking Thursday, March 19 at the dedication of the Government Model School in Kakata, Margibi County, President Boakai pointed out that the Liberian people deserve high-quality infrastructure and calls for a shift in mindset to focus on utilizing local resources rather than seeking opportunities abroad.
By partnering with international organizations like the World Bank, he said his administration aims to create a sustainable future where better schools and equipment empower citizens to thrive as farmers and leaders.
The Liberian leader underscored a vision of government accountability, urging officials to ignore online criticism and focus on tangible improvements for the youth, noting that to maintain these new institutions and foster a sense of national pride and self-sufficiency, it takes collective responsibility.
“The future of this country is beyond Monrovia; it’s all over Liberia,” said the Liberian chief executive, highlighting recent visits and government activities in rural areas as evidence of a deliberate shift toward decentralization.
The President pointed to the modernization of the Booker Washington Institute as part of a broader effort to improve educational infrastructure nationwide.
He described the newly commissioned institution as a critical hub for training future leaders and skilled workers, adding that it is “just the beginning” of similar projects planned across the country.
Speaking further, he also underscored the role of international partnerships, particularly with the World Bank, in supporting Liberia’s development goals.
He dismissed skepticism around such collaborations, stating that global partners invest in countries that demonstrate seriousness and accountability.
In a strong appeal to citizens, the president called for a shift in mindset, calling on Liberians to focus on building opportunities at home rather than seeking better prospects abroad.
“We always look for greener pastures. Let’s create them here,” the President indicated.
“Your commitment is to your country—don’t pay attention to distractions. Want to call on our students, educators, and local stakeholders to take ownership of newly developed institutions by ensuring their maintenance and long-term success. Our people deserve the best, and we are here to give it to them.”
Education Minister Dr. Jarso Maley Jallah explained that the dedication of the Kakata Model School is a major leap in Liberia’s educational infrastructure.
This modern facility, developed through a partnership between the Liberian government and the World Bank, she disclosed, features advanced science laboratories, digital technology hubs, and sustainable energy systems.
Minister Jallah told the gathering that the project serves as a strategic blueprint for moving away from mere physical construction toward a focus on academic excellence and systemic accountability.
Despite initial setbacks and contractor issues, the Education Ministry boss declared that the school is now positioned as a catalyst for national development and a testament to the country’s commitment to its youth.
By integrating practical learning with high standards of instruction, she intoned that the institution aims to bridge the gap between educational access and successful student outcomes.
“This school is a symbol of national progress. Let me urge you; students, teachers, and the local community to maintain the facility as a permanent center for intellectual growth,” Minister Jallah among other things added amid cheers from the audience.
