At Celebrations Of The Country’s 179the Flag Day Monday, Aug. 24
By Aruna Goepogui
MONROVIA, Liberia–Education Minister Dr. Jarso Jallah has announced the official reintroduction of Civics Education at the primary school level, describing the initiative as a critical step toward preparing Liberia’s children to become responsible, informed, and active citizens.
Speaking Monday at the celebration of Liberia’s 179th National Flag Day at the Executive Pavilion in Monrovia, Minister Jallah said civics education must go beyond teaching children to recognize the national flag, sing the national anthem, and identify other national symbols.
She emphasized that students must also develop a deeper understanding of the responsibilities that come with citizenship and their role in contributing to the country’s future.
Education Minister Jallah noted that while children are taught about the colors and significance of the Liberian flag, the national anthem, and respect for national symbols, they must also understand what they have inherited as citizens and the responsibility they bear in shaping the nation.
According to her, the reintroduction of Civics Education places a significant responsibility on teachers and school administrators to ensure that learning extends beyond textbooks and examinations.
She said students must be taught what it means to be a citizen, how democracy works, their rights and responsibilities, and how to respectfully and peacefully disagree with others without viewing those with opposing opinions as enemies.
At the same time, Minister Jallah announced the official launch of standardized Civics textbooks to support the effective teaching and learning of the subject in primary schools. She expressed appreciation to Wahala Publishing Company for its support toward the initiative.
The Education Minister further stressed that the responsibility for nurturing responsible citizens does not rest solely with schools.
She called on parents, communities, institutions, and public officials to demonstrate good citizenship, noting that children learn not only from what they are taught in classrooms but also from the actions and behavior of adults around them.
The reintroduction of Civics Education, she said, is aimed at helping to build a generation of Liberians who understand their civic duties, respect democratic values, and actively contribute to national development.