Private schools in Barclayville are slowly dying while government officials continue celebrating a “free tuition” policy without addressing the devastating consequences on privately- operated institutions.
- Larris Nyanti, Principal of the Rev. David Wreh School, has raised serious alarm over the sharp decline in enrollment, warning that many private schools in Grand Kru County are now on the verge of collapse because parents are abandoning fee-paying institutions for government schools.
According to him, the policy has become a direct attack on the survival of private education in Liberia. Schools that once played a major role in educating thousands of Liberian children are now struggling to pay teachers, maintain buildings, print test papers, and even provide basic learning materials.
“How do private schools survive when government makes public education free without creating any support system for us?” Nyanti questioned.
The impact is already visible. Important projects, including the construction of a school latrine at Rev. David Wreh School, have reportedly stalled due to lack of funds. Administrators say they can barely sustain daily operations as enrollment continues to fall.
Critics have argued that while free education may sound politically attractive, the policy is gradually suffocating private institutions that have long complemented government’s weak education system. Without urgent intervention, many private schools could shut down completely, leaving teachers unemployed and educational standards further weakened.
The administration of Rev. David Wreh School has then called on NGOs, alumni, philanthropists, and humanitarian organizations to step in before the institution and others like it collapse entirely.
For support, contact Rev. David Wreh School at 0881337609 or 0778893013.