But Those Who Can’t Learn, Unlearn And Relearn!!!
PHOTO: The Author
By Joe Noutoua Wandah
Media Advocate/Contribution Writer
Today, in Africa’s oldest Republic, Liberia, who stands to celebrates her 179 years of existence as a Nation come July 26, 2026, can boast of thousands/millions of academic degrees by her citizens in all disciplines. Liberians pursuits of academic education have taken centered stage both at home and in the diaspora, something that depicts a Nation is on the way to progress!
But unfortunately, research has proven that the calamities of the Nation (Liberia) before and after her gruesome wars experiences shows that “THE ILLITERATE OF THE 21st CENTURY WILL NOT BE THOSE WHO CANNOT READ AND WRITE, BUT THOSE WHO CANNOT LEARN ,UNLEARN AND RELEARN”!
Don’t get me wrong, Liberians are smart people educationally, but are those literate learning, unlearning and relearning from her destitute past, which put 13 of her more learned personalities on light poles at the Barclay Training Center (BTC) barracks and killed them only because of what was referred to rampant corruptions, nepotism, political exclusions, etc!
Is this Nation and her inhabitants learning, unlearning and relearning since she returns to civilities after ushering in multiparty democracy from 2005 where Liberians have since been witnessing party faithful placed in positions which they got no expertise, arms of government responsible for developmental programs including roads, housing et. Contracts to shell companies with vested interests at the detriment of the Liberian people!
The Nation (Liberia) witnessed top notch political faithful being sanctioned by the United States of America due to malfeasances within the running of those offices they have been entrusted with by voters for six years. And yet, Liberians feel that these people are their best and they have today resurfaced in top positions in this day dispensation when other Nations are naming and shaming their leaders who are found corrupt! “ARE THE ILLITERATES OF THE 21st CENTURY WILL NOT BE THOSE WHO READ AND WRITE, BUT THOSE WHO CANNOT LEARN, UNLEARN AND RELEARN”??
Are Liberians, learning, unlearning and relearning when the Citizenry allowed politicians with who are considered as blood-sucking vampires who come to power with ulterior motives divide the People into political factions.
Indeed, this continues to give rise to deepen jealousy, divisions at tribal levels, sold seed of discord among the illiterate masses especially the youthful generation who are misdirected, misguided and belly driven?
Are these illiterate leaders of this generation, who has refused to learn, unlearn and relearn play to the callous behaviors of their predecessors who in their wisdom’s refused to bring the John F. Kennedy a once referrer hospital within the Sub-region to return to its pre status. Relocate the University of Liberia which structure is no longer a representation of a Nation which proud herself Africa’s oldest independent Nation with dilapidated infrastructures in the middle of the Nation’s governance system. And Redesign her sewerage system that was once build for just a little over six thousand then free slaves brought to Liberia century’s ongoing, relocate her ancient capital that has been overgrown due to outburst’s in population etc!
Are this current group of Liberians, learning, unlearning and relearning when sons and daughters assume political positions acquire for themselves ultra-modern dwelling places admits thundering applauses from their belly driven illiterate supporters, taking onto radio platforms calling themselves so-called political commentators. They are insulting sitting and opinion leaders with society’s dwellers applauding them for their insensitivities and total ignorance in abusing this sacred profession of journalism?
Is this generation of Liberians learning, unlearning an relearning when it is alleged that against the minerals laws of the Nation no gainfully employed public servants venture into ownership of a mining site? Yet, the opposite is seen in those various mining communities with people fronting for government officials, tribal chiefs protecting illegal miners in their communities, after receiving crumbs by putting traditional mask dancers outdoor to scare nonmembers away. Although this country lies in the midst of water bodies throughout the 43 thousand square miles, citizens’ access to safe drinking water is still a major problem, as concessionaires are taking more than they are giving back to communities where these minerals are extracted from, while pollution of their source of drinking water—creeks persists!
“THE ILLITERATE OF THE 21st CENTURY WILL NOT BE THOSE WHO CANNOT READ AND WRITE, BUT THOSE WHO CANNOT LEARN, RELEARN AND UNLEARN”– with the one-eye-men or women in the Liberian Society in total surrender. Many would say we need to bring to bear what is often said that our goal is to see Liberia on par with neighboring countries.
For to achieve such goal all Liberians, but not just the faithful few, must demonstrate nationalism and patriotism void of political interest?