Nimba County – The Principal of Gowee Public School in District One, Nimba County, has urgently called on the government, through the Ministry of Education, to intervene as over 70 children remain without teachers.
By D Franklin Doloquee, [email protected]
Principal Rancy Keekpo revealed that since its opening, the school has faced persistent challenges, including low student enrollment, a shortage of chairs, and a lack of qualified teachers. Additionally, many children in the community have yet to register for the current academic year.
According to Keekpo, many parents prefer to send their children to Nengbein Public School and other schools in Ganta town, further contributing to Gowee’s low enrollment. This preference is partly due to the limited facilities and resources at Gowee, which make it difficult to attract and retain students.
Currently, the school has only four teachers, with two paid by the government and two serving as unpaid volunteers. The shortage of paid teaching staff has negatively impacted the quality of education and the overall learning experience for students.
Gowee Public School was originally constructed through the efforts of Representative Jeremiah Koung, now the Vice President, before being handed over to the government for operation. Despite this investment, the school continues to struggle to meet basic needs, including sufficient seating and learning materials.
Principal Keekpo is urging the District Education Office (DEO), the County Education Officer, and the Ministry of Education to take immediate action. He stresses the urgent need for more teachers, improved infrastructure, and stronger community engagement to boost enrollment and ensure access to quality education for all children.
The situation at Gowee Public School reflects broader challenges facing rural education in Nimba County, where schools often suffer from inadequate resources, poor infrastructure, and difficulties retaining qualified staff. Addressing these issues is critical for improving literacy rates and creating educational opportunities in the region.
Similar challenges are affecting Garr Busie Public School in District Two, where a shortage of teachers and low enrollment has persisted for the past five years. The school was constructed by the government through the Liberia Agencies for Community Empowerment (LACE). Parents are increasingly concerned about the future of their children’s education.
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