Mission Statement
To cultivate an efficient learning environment within Catholic schools throughout Liberia, fostering academic excellence, upholding Catholic values, and empowering students to become compassionate and responsible leaders for a just and flourishing society
VISION
To be a beacon of excellence in Liberian education, where Catholic schools lead the nation in academic achievement, inspire a lifelong commitment to faith, and empower well-rounded graduates.
HISTORY OF NACES (NATIONAL CATHOLIC EDUCATION SECRETARIAT)
COMPILED JUNE 2024
The Archbishop of Monrovia, Most Reverend Lewis Jerome Zeigler, whilst serving as President of CABICOL (Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Liberia), wrote a letter of request to Fr. P. Sumo-Varfee Molubah, the Education Secretary of the Catholic Archdiocese of Monrovia, on February 9, 2015. In that letter, Archbishop Zeigler authorized Fr. Molubah to establish a coordinating body for the Catholic education secretariats in Liberia. The first meeting, organized by Fr. Molubah on March 17, 2015, was in response to the mandate of CABICOL to establish a national entity to coordinate the operations of Catholic schools in Liberia.
The meeting of March 17, 2015, brought together Catholic education secretaries in Liberia at the Catholic Education Secretariat on 46 Ashmun Street in Monrovia. This event marked the commencement of activities aimed at fostering cooperation among the Catholic School Systems in the Catholic dioceses of Liberia with the intention to improve the coordination of the learning activities in Catholic schools throughout the country. CABICOL's expressed desire for unity within the Church in Liberia needed to also be demonstrated through collaborative efforts of the Catholic education secretariats in the field of education.
Attendants at that meeting included:
1. Mr. Domenic Jusu Carr – Catholic Education Secretary - Diocese of Gbarnga
2. Sr. Philomena W. Jappah, S.H.F – Assistant Education Secretary – Diocese of Cape Palmas
3. Fr. P. Sumo-Varfee Molubah – Education Secretary – Archdiocese of Monrovia, who hosted and chaired the first meeting.
Since the inaugural meeting of NACES was held, there have been initiatives taken to hold regular meetings in the three dioceses to discuss undertakings that promote unity in addressing issues of importance for the advancement of Catholic Education, particularly in Early Childhood Development, Basic, and Secondary education levels.
CORE VALUES
NACES upholds the following core values to guide its mission in Liberia's Catholic education system:
- Faith: Nurturing a deep understanding and appreciation of the Catholic faith is central to NACES' educational philosophy.
- Excellence: NACES is committed to delivering the highest quality education, exceeding national standards and fostering academic achievement.
- Integrity: NACES values honesty, transparency, and ethical conduct in all its endeavors.
- Compassion: NACES promotes empathy, care, and a commitment to serving others within the educational community.
- Respect: NACES values the dignity of each individual and fosters an environment that respects diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and cultures.
- Stewardship: NACES is committed to the responsible use of resources and creating a sustainable educational system.
- Collaboration: NACES values teamwork, open communication, and building strong partnerships within the Catholic school system and the wider Liberian community.
These values represent the foundation upon which NACES builds its mission. They guide NACES' decisions and ensure all its actions contribute to a strong, efficient, and impactful Catholic education system in Liberia.