Ganta, Nimba County – Vice President Jewel Howard Taylor says it is time that the Education Ministry focus on digitalizing the system so students’ career can be identified while
Report by Bettie K. Johnson-Mbayo, [email protected]
She said many young students do not have career guidance so they sometimes stay longer in school due to the Ministry of Education put all of them in one category.
She spoke at the official launch of the 2019 Liberia National Debate Championship organized by Youth for Change (YOC) in collaboration with Orange Liberia.
Madam Howard Taylor said if a student’s potential is realized sooner, said student will fulfill his or her dreams and inspiration.
She alleged that the old way of teaching are scaring some students away from school.
“Our educational system cannot just be a one-way track we have to be more careful how they are taught or else we might just scare them away from academics, she said.
“You can’t have a science and acts students all through school time, it is likely that one person might just not want to further their education.”
She recalled that when she was an undergrad she and over 13 other were compelled to do a certain course because all of them entered the college in the same semester.
“These days, no counselors in a university where students are guided on the kind of career they pick in college,” she said.
She continues, “We need to begin in the right direction where our children aren’t frustrated in the school system, where our children can do what they desire.”
Madam Howard Taylor promised to support the program as it begins in the 15 counties across the country.
She said the debate will help young people argue an important point without fighting, adding that “it is time for young people to begin to change their new course and be able to argue across the table without fighting.”
Alexander Duopu, Deputy Education Minister for instruction, said students loss interest in education when there is no innovative programs.
He mandated District Education officers to ensure that students participate so as to enhance their approach on issues positively.
Mr. Duopu appreciated YOC for building intellectualism in young people, adding that the next budget year the initiative will be reflected.
Alex Devine, Executive Director for YOC, said the establishment of the program was to divert Liberian students from Super Friday, a day that students reportedly engaged in drugs, alcohol and sex.
He said while the phenomenon of super Friday was taking over cities, his team thought on how they can help government instead of criticizing.
“I brought in some of the very young people not to outrightly stop the super Friday but our thought was how can we find out why there is super Friday.
The high school debate is the fourth series; 2015 featured 20, 2016- 80 schools 2017- 120 schools seven counties in 2018 with 120 schools participating and this year 15 counties.
2019 is featuring 123 schools and Nimba and Montserrado has 16 schools each.
He said 2019 is the evidence of consistency and commitment, adding “We are proud as young people to be leading the evidential change.”