Attachments
Three-year initiative to bolster education systems, empower adolescents, and align skills training with market needs
Monrovia, Liberia – 16 April 2025 – The Government of Liberia, the European Union and UNICEF signed a landmark three-year partnership to strengthen Liberia’s education data systems and expand opportunities for children and adolescents, particularly those most vulnerable.
The agreement will enhance the Ministry of Education’s Education Management Information System (EMIS) and support the creation of a Youth Management Information System (YMIS) under the Ministry of Youth and Sports, ensuring better coordination between formal schooling and skills development programs.
The partnership aims to address critical gaps in Liberia’s education sector, including overage enrolment, high dropout rates, and limited data on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). By improving data collection, analysis, and utilization, the initiative will empower policymakers to design inclusive, evidence-based strategies that bridge learning disparities and align skills development with labour market needs.
“This partnership marks a significant step forward in transforming Liberia’s education system. With improved data systems, we can make informed decisions that directly impact our students, reduce disparities, and ensure that every child has access to quality education,” said Dr. Jarso Maley Jallah, Liberia’s Minister of Education, adding: “We are grateful to the EU and UNICEF for their support in building a stronger foundation for our future generations.”
H.E. Nona Deprez, EU Ambassador to Liberia, added:
“The EU is committed to empowering Liberia’s youth through education and skills development. Reliable data is the backbone of effective policymaking. By enhancing EMIS and supporting the creation of YMIS, we are not only addressing today’s challenges but also future-proofing Liberia’s education sector. This collaboration underscores our shared vision of fostering sustainable growth and opportunities for all.”
“Every child deserves the opportunity to learn and thrive. By strengthening Liberia’s education data systems, we are laying the groundwork for smarter investments and targeted interventions,” said Andrew Brooks, UNICEF Representative in Liberia. “This partnership with the European Union and the Government of Liberia will ensure that no child—especially girls, children with disabilities, and those in remote areas—is left behind. Together, we can build strong systems that turn data into actionable change.”
Key Focus Areas:
- Modernizing Liberia’s Education Management Information System to track TVET enrolment, teacher training, infrastructure, and labour market trends.
- Developing a Youth Management Information System to monitor non-formal skills programs and out-of-school youth.
- Training national and county-level staff in data analysis and evidence-based planning.
- Strengthening school-level record-keeping to identify dropout risks and improve learning outcomes.
Notes to Editors:
- Education Challenges: Almost 50 percent of school-age children are out of school; 90 percent of TVET teachers lack formal qualifications; only 28 schools offer formal TVET programs.
- Partnership Impact: Expected outcomes include increased TVET participation, reduced gender disparities in skills training, and better alignment of education with private-sector needs.
- EMIS Challenges in Liberia: Only 20 percent net enrolment in secondary education; 50 percent of school-age children out of school; 90 percent of TVET teachers unqualified.
- TVET Gaps: 28 formal TVET schools serve 5,651 students (80 percent in Montserrado); limited data on skills demand, gender disparities, and infrastructure.
- Partnership Outcomes: Improved policy formulation, increased TVET accessibility, reduced overage enrolment, and stronger linkages between education and employment.
- EU Support: Builds on prior investments in Liberia’s National Vocational Qualification Framework (NVQF) and infrastructure rehabilitation for nine TVET institutions.
Media Contacts
Mostafa Omar, UNICEF Liberia, mosomar@unicef.org | +231770267110
About UNICEF
UNICEF works in over 190 countries to protect children’s rights, ensuring survival, protection, and development. In Liberia, UNICEF partners with the government and stakeholders to advance equitable education, health, and child protection.
About the European Union
The EU is Liberia’s long-term partner in sustainable development, promoting decent jobs and inclusive growth, including education in Liberia; supporting development of natural resources for sustainable growth; and helping to improve financial and democratic governance. Through its Multiannual Indicative Programme (2021–2027), the EU prioritizes youth empowerment and inclusive education.