Monrovia – The Director of Public Relations at Civil Service Agency (CSA), Moses Owen Browne has called for more government support towards early childhood education in Liberia.Serving as guest speaker at formal closing of the Excellent Learning Foundation Academy (ELFA) over the weekend, Browne indicated that literacy for every child is a must in Liberia and an urgent government support is needed.
“It is proven that 90% of brain development happens before the age of five.”
“Thousands of the children in Liberia today below age 5 and or above should be in school and learning. Sadly, this is not the case for Liberia as over half million of our children are out of school.”
“I call on the Government of Liberia, the President; Mrs. Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, national and international organizations to support with budgetary increment and join us raise awareness on early childhood education and development.
“Liberia is going nowhere without quality education for its young population,” he said.
Moses told the gathering – “We have to double-up. We are in a major crisis and this emergency is education. We have limited time on our side.
“But, I believe we can make the difference through faith.”
“It is disturbing to know that our country still has a large number of out-of-school children with an estimated 10-20% of children between the ages of 6-14 not enrolled in school, according to the Ministry of Education report, (HIES 2014, EMIS 2015)”; he added.
Moses spoke on the topic: “Early Literacy: How Vital It Is To Our Recovery Process”.
He said Liberia’s educational system is gradually improving after decades of uncivil conflict which led to the destruction of the Country’s entire education sector.
“As a country, we are beginning to see wonderful improvements especially with enrollment, retention and education infrastructure development however; funding for the sector has been very low something which has resulted to a weak system over the last decade”.
We have to double up and pay keen attention to the education sector, if Liberia will develop.
Moses urged the parents of the graduates earning certifications to continue to support their children education, because education is the key to a world of possibility.
“With Education, you can open any closed door and overcome many challenges. He encouraged the students to take their learning very seriously.