By Jamesetta D Williams
MONROVIA–Concerns over the growing number of unpaid teachers across Liberia intensified Thursday after the Ministry of Education disclosed that more than 6,000 volunteer teachers are currently serving in schools nationwide without being placed on government payroll.
Appearing before the Liberian Senate on behalf of Education Minister Dr. Jarso Maley Jallah, who is reportedly out of the country, Deputy Minister for Administration Nyekeh Y. Forkpa revealed that Liberia currently has 6,198 volunteer teachers working in various schools across the country.
Forkpa told plenary that the Ministry of Education operates on a direct budget of approximately US$53.8 million, while the broader education sector receives a total allocation of US$168 million.
The disclosure immediately triggered concerns among senators, many of whom warned that the increasing number of volunteer teachers reflects deepening challenges within Liberia’s education system, particularly in rural communities where many schools heavily rely on unpaid educators to keep classrooms functioning.
Lawmakers noted that despite years of promises to improve the education sector, thousands of teachers continue to work without salaries or stable employment benefits, raising questions about the government’s ability to absorb qualified volunteer teachers onto the national payroll.
Several senators emphasized that volunteer teachers remain the backbone of education delivery in many parts of the country, especially in hard-to-reach communities where teacher shortages persist.
The Senate’s concerns also come amid growing public calls for better salaries, improved working conditions, and increased investment in the country’s struggling education sector.
Education stakeholders say the situation underscores longstanding structural issues affecting Liberia’s schools, including inadequate funding, limited educational resources, and insufficient staffing across underserved counties.
Observers believe the latest disclosure could reignite national debate over education financing and the government’s commitment to improving the welfare of teachers who continue to play a critical role in sustaining learning across the country.
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