In a significant stride towards advancing education in Liberia, a group of educators from the National Catholic Education Secretariat of Liberia (NACES Liberia) participated in a Teacher Enhancement Program (TEP) hosted by Strathmore University in Kenya. This initiative, designed to foster educational innovation and professional development, brought together Liberian Trainers of Trainers (LToT) and Kenyan Trainers of Trainers (KToT) for a transformative learning experience.

The Training Program: A Collaborative Effort

The Teacher Enhancement Program was a dynamic, collaborative effort aimed at equipping Liberian educators with modern teaching methodologies and educational management strategies. Although the training primarily involved participants from the Catholic school system in Liberia, the officials from NACES emphasized their commitment to disseminating this newfound knowledge across various educational institutions in Liberia. This initiative promises a ripple effect, enhancing the quality of education throughout the country.

Notable Participants

The Liberian delegation included prominent educators who played key roles in the training program:

• Rev. Fr. P. Sumo-Varfee Molubah: Education Secretary of the Catholic Education Secretariat of the Archdiocese of Monrovia and the National Coordinator of NACES Liberia.
• Sr. Philomena Wrehdi Jappah: Education Secretary of the Catholic Education Secretariat of the Diocese of Cape Palmas and Financial Officer of NACES Liberia.
• Mr. Domenic Jusu Carr: Education Secretary of the Catholic Education Secretariat of the Diocese of Gbarnga.
• Mr. Owen Blay: Administrative Staff at the Catholic Education Secretariat of the Archdiocese of Monrovia.

Learning and Exchange in Kitui County

As part of their comprehensive training, the Liberian educators visited Kitui County, where they engaged with St. Ursula Girls’ Secondary School and St. Charles Lwanga Secondary School. This visit, spanning from May 24 to 25, 2024, was a highlight of the program. Father P. Sumo-Varfee Molubah, a participant, reflected on this enriching experience:

"It was a wonderful moment of exchanges on the mode of operations of the two schools as well as the operations of Catholic schools in Liberia. We observed that efforts are being intensively made in both countries to ensure that students perform better in learning activities using student-centered methods."

During these visits, the Liberian educators interacted with students, teachers, and school administrators, gaining valuable insights into student-centered learning approaches. This methodology, where teachers act as facilitators guiding students through self-directed learning activities, resonated deeply with the visitors. It underscored the importance of fostering critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and active engagement in the classroom.

Key Takeaways and Future Implementations

The program provided numerous key takeaways that the Liberian educators are eager to implement:

1. Student-Centered Learning: Emphasizing active learning where students take charge of their educational journey with teachers as facilitators.
2. Collaborative Learning: Encouraging teamwork and peer-to-peer learning among students to build collaborative skills.
3. Use of Technology: Integrating digital tools and resources to enhance interactive learning and broaden access to information.
4. Continuous Professional Development: Establishing ongoing training programs for teachers to keep abreast of educational advancements and pedagogical strategies.

Additionally, the exchange with Kenyan counterparts highlighted the importance of community involvement in education, robust support systems for students, and the adoption of inclusive practices to cater to diverse learning needs.

Commitment to Educational Excellence

NACES Liberia's commitment to leveraging this training for the broader educational landscape in Liberia is commendable. By sharing the knowledge and skills acquired during the Teacher Enhancement Program, NACES aims to uplift the entire educational system, ensuring that all students, regardless of their school affiliation, benefit from improved teaching practices and learning environments.

In conclusion, the Teacher Enhancement Program at Strathmore University marks a pivotal step in reimagining education in Liberia. Through the collective efforts of dedicated educators and the strategic implementation of innovative teaching methodologies, Liberia is poised to foster a more effective, inclusive, and student-centered educational system. This initiative not only strengthens the ties between Liberian and Kenyan educators but also sets a precedent for future collaborative efforts in educational development across Africa.