IPNEWS: In a significant step toward improving access to quality education, the Ministry of Education over the weekend broke ground on the expansion of Barkedu Junior Public School and Sarkonedu Junior Public School in District #4, Lofa County.
The project forms part of the government’s broader national education reform agenda and represents a critical investment in strengthening public school infrastructure—one of the eight key priorities under Liberia’s education reform framework.
For years, students in these rural communities have faced persistent challenges that limited their access to quality education. Overcrowded classrooms, long distances to school, limited opportunities for grade transition, and inadequate learning environments have contributed to high dropout rates and weak academic performance.
The expansion of the two schools is expected to directly address these challenges by providing safer, more accessible, and modern facilities conducive to effective teaching and learning.
The construction project is fully funded by the Government of Liberia through the Public Sector Investment Project (PSIP), underscoring the government’s commitment to equitable access to education and sustainable infrastructure development across the country.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, which brought together community leaders, educators, students, and local authorities, Minister of Education Dr. Jarso Maley Jallah emphasized the central role of infrastructure in achieving meaningful education reform.
“Classrooms are more than just walls and roofs—they are spaces where minds are shaped, futures are built, and nations are transformed,” Dr. Jallah said.
“We cannot expect improved learning outcomes if our children are learning under trees, in overcrowded rooms, or walking miles just to reach school. Infrastructure is not an afterthought—it is the bedrock of education reform.”
The Education Minister also called on residents of the beneficiary communities to take ownership of the projects, urging them to protect the new facilities and work closely with the government to ensure schools remain safe and productive learning environments.
“This is your school, your children’s future,” she added. “Let us work together to safeguard these investments and make sure no child is left behind.”
The expanded campuses will feature additional classrooms, administrative offices, and improved sanitation facilities.
These upgrades are expected to increase enrollment, improve student retention, and enhance the deployment and effectiveness of qualified teachers—key components of the Ministry of Education’s nationwide reform efforts.
Local leaders and residents welcomed the initiative, describing it as a long-awaited intervention that will positively impact education outcomes in District #4 and contribute to human capital development in Lofa County.
