For 100 New Schools:

For 100 New Schools:

Gov’t, World Bank Sign US$90M Deal

By Godgift Harris 

Government and the World Bank have signed a US$90 million financing agreement to construct 100 elementary schools in all 15 counties.

The landmark deal was formalized during a high-level signing ceremony held on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at the Executive Mansion in Monrovia.

President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, described the project as one of the most meaningful and impactful education investments the country has gained in recent years.

“I have never seen so many transformative activities unfolding one after the other in the country like the ongoing developments,” Pres. Boakai said to the delight of members of the audience.

“We are deeply grateful to the World Bank for their continued support and unwavering commitment to the country’s development programs.”

The construction of the new schools will span all 15 counties. They are expected to significantly improve access to quality education, especially for children in remote and underserved communities.

 The initiative forms a critical component of the government’s broader education reform strategy aimed at reshaping the future of the country’s human capital development.

Pres. Boakai emphasized the need for his administration to commit to ensuring “no child is left behind in the education sector.”

 “Under our leadership, education remains a top national priority, because we want to give every Liberian child the opportunity to learn, thrive and contribute meaningfully to the future of this nation,” the President assured.

Finance and Development Planning Minister, Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, provided detailed insight into the scope of the agreement.

Ngafuan said the project will not only focus on the physical construction of schools, but also include the installation of digital learning infrastructure, the recruitment of qualified teachers, and the improvement of learning materials.

“This is a historic agreement,” Ngafuan noted.

“The US$90 million facility will directly support the construction of 100 elementary schools, but its impact will go far beyond that.

It will build the backbone of a more inclusive, accessible, and tech-enabled education system in the country.”

Education Minister, Dr. Jarso Jallah, also expressed appreciation to the World Bank, and reiterated the ministry’s readiness to lead the implementation of the project.

“This partnership reflects the country’s rising status as a development priority in Africa. We welcome the confidence the World Bank has in us, and we are committed to ensuring that every dollar is used to improve the lives of our children,” she remarked.

Dr. Jallah then assured that strategic locations in the 15 counties have already been identified, with priority given to communities lacking basic school facilities.

World Bank President, Madam Georgia Wallen, who joined the ceremony virtually, commended the government for its vision and commitment to education.

She reiterated the bank’s dedication to supporting sustainable development efforts in the country.

 “Education is a powerful equalizer. With the right investment, the country can unlock the full potential of its youth.

This project is about giving children regardless of where they live a fair chance at a better future,” Madam Wallen said.

The 100 new schools, when completed,  will be equipped with digital learning tools, access to clean water, sanitation facilities, and accessible infrastructure for children with disabilities.

These features align with global best practices in providing safe and inclusive learning environments.

Pres. Boakai made a passionate call to action, urging all stakeholders from community leaders, international partners to remain focused on the long-term vision of transforming the country’s education system.

“Let this be the beginning of a new era in Liberian education. Our children deserve better, and today we are taking a giant leap toward delivering just that,” the President affirmed.

The construction of the schools is expected to begin later this year with phased implementation over the next three years.

Once completed, it is projected to benefit over 30,000 students nationwide and contribute to national efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal for Quality Education.