(Monrovia, Liberia):The President of the Republic, H.E. Dr. George Manneh Weah, has made a clarion call, urging Liberians to continue to work together in peace and harmony for the collective good of the Country. He said working together for the common good of Liberia is clearly articulated in the National Anthem when it says, “In union strong success is sure”.

Making remarks on Monday, August 24, 2020 at program commemorating Liberia’s 105^th Flag Day, the Liberian Leader said our flag is a symbol of patriotism and national unity.

“Let us put aside our differences and come together as one people, placing the national interest above personal and partisan interests,” Dr. Weah said in a short statement.

He recalled that since the Liberian flag was first unveiled to the world 173 years ago to mark the birth of a new nation on the African continent, the Lone Star’s banner has come to symbolize the deeds and valor of our forefathers, to whom we remain constantly indebted.

 “We cannot fail if we are united and continue to work together,” the Liberian Leader stressed. 

“Today marks the 105th occasion when we celebrate the making of our most important national symbol, the Liberian Flag, with a National Holiday, as decreed by our National Legislature in 1915”, Pres. Weah recounted.

Continuing, the Liberian Chief Executive said the flag has come to represent the pride and dignity of the Liberian people, and to symbolize the hopes and aspirations of all Liberians, with its patriotic colors and design of red and white stripes and a white star on a blue background.

“This occasion presents yet another opportunity for us to reflect on our collective actions as a people, and steer a united course for the continued betterment of our nation,” the President noted, urging Liberians, both at home and abroad, to join forces for the good of the nation.

Dr. Weah congratulated the National Flag Day Orator, Hon. Mamensie Kabba, Assistant Minister for Administration, Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, for delivering an inspiring and insightful message.

President Weah described the Orator’s message as very uplifting, particularly in these times as Liberia and the rest of the world battle the COVID 19 pandemic. 

The Liberian Leader committed himself to do all that is within his powers to turn over to the orator’s generation, the young people of Liberia, a country they would be proud of.

This year’s ceremony was held at the Ministerial Complex in Congo Town.

MONROVIA – President George M. Weah has urged citizens of of Liberia to use the celebration of the country’s 173^rd Independence Celebration to strengthen bonds and forge ahead in order to consolidate the gains made together as a people over the years of independence.

In a brief statement, the President said, “I also beseech all citizens of faith including Christians, Muslims, traditionalists, etc. to offer prayers and kneel in supplication to God for peace, prosperity and happiness for the nation particularly in these difficult times of a global pandemic”.

He added: “Liberians are a strong and determined people, with our resilience and the blessings of the Almighty God, we will overcome all trials and tribulations besetting our country and see even better days ahead.”

(July 27, 2020 - Monrovia, Liberia): The President of the Republic,  H.E. Dr. George Manneh Weah, has bemoaned the impact coronavirus is having on the country and its people, severely crippling livelihoods and the national economy.

Like the rest of the world, Liberia remains heavily burdened by the devastating effects of the virus for months.
 

In a speech delivered Monday, July 27, 2020 at ceremonies commemorating Liberia's 173rd independence, President Weah said for several months now the coronavirus plague continues to emit its venomous toxins , causing the destruction to the lives of millions of people across the globe.
 

"Liberia has not been spared by the ravishes of this deadly disease," the Chief Executive said. He however indicated the country was in a much better position in terms of the number of infections and deaths because of its Ebola experience, as well as professional handling of the situation.
 

The Liberian Leader, who recounted precautionary and preventive measures earlier deployed by the government to stamp out the virus, said further, "Our economy and our people are still severely affected by the negative  consequences of the pandemic."
 

"Not surprisingly, it has caused drastic downtown in business activities and a consequent decline in revenue generation, as well as resulted in food shortages, rising inflation and negative projections in GPD growth," President Weah pointed out.
 

The President observed that the country is likely to endure the impact of the virus for a protracted period of time, but stressed that there was light at the end of the tunnel if Liberians came together in unison to fight the virus.
 

He urged Liberians to take cue from the constructive, instructive and  encouraging oration delivered by Rev. Dr. Simeon L. Dunbar, the 173rd Independence Day Orator.
 

The President said recommendations proffered by Orator Duncan’s oration bolstered hope that Liberia can conquer the virus once united,  focused, disciplined and determined.
 

President Weah reiterated his appeal to the people of Liberia to put aside their differences, whether political, social and religious, in order to overcome the virus.

At the same time, the Liberian Chief Executive promised his government's willingness and readiness to go extra miles in heightening its responsibility to the people and to bring to an end the COVID-19 chapter.
 

President Weah said there is a renewed impetus enabling his administration to uphold commitment towards improving the livelihood of the Liberian people.
 

The 173^rd Independence Day, which was officially celebrated Monday, July 27 because the 26 was on Sunday, is the third observance of the National Day since President Weah assumed power.

MONROVIA – Following recent consultation with the health authorities, the Ministry of Education wishes to officially announce the reopening of schools for additional levels from 6^th grade to 11^th grade. The reopening is aimed at first completing the end of the Academic Calendar for 2019/2020 and the preparation for the new academic year 2020/2021. The admittance of students into physical school will be implemented in phases with 6^th, 7^th, 8^th, and 9^th graders beginning and to be followed by 10^th and 11^th graders.

 The Early Childhood Education level to 5^th grade will not be enrolled in physical activities to complete the 2019/2020 academic year as more review is conducted to adequately plan for the opening of the ECE level for the next academic year. Schools are urged to facilitate the packaging of lessons as homework for the ECE to 5^th-grade students and plan for a one-time assessment.

The school hour will run from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM daily from Monday to Saturday and Sunday in the case of Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) School students. The following rollout of physical school activities and other plans are outlined for the school owners, students, education partners, and the general public:

12^TH GRADERS COMPLETION

The 12^th graders’ classes which began on June 29, 2020, will end on August 14, 2020. The West African Senior Secondary Certification Examination (WASSCE) is scheduled to start in Liberia on August 17, 2020, and end on September 2, 2020, which marks the full closure of the academic calendar for 12^th graders for 2019/2020. Schools are urged to complete internal assessment by August 3, to 7, 2020, and finalize report cards for distribution on October 26 to 30, 2020.

Except otherwise advised by the Ministry of Health, there shall be NO assemblies for graduation ceremonies for all levels. The Status of the health risk shall dictates the course of action then and any options shall be announced as the time approaches.

ADMITTANCE OF 6^TH, 7^TH, 8^TH, AND 9^TH GRADERS

The 6^th, 7^th, 8^th, and 9^th graders will begin classes on August 10, 2020, and end on October 3, 2020. Schools are required to focus the activities of the catch-up classes on core subjects’ lessons (Mathematics, Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies) to complete the academic calendar 2019/2020. Schools are also encouraged to conduct a continuous assessment based on the content covered during the catch-up classes through classwork, homework, project, and quizzes to obtain report for 4^th marking period in the case of those schools that did not complete the test before the covid19 disruption of school and 5^th and 6^th marking periods, respectively.

ADMITTANCE OF 10^TH AND 11^TH GRADERS

The 10^th and 11^th graders classes will begin on October 5, 2020, and end on November 4, 2020. The subjects of focus for these grade levels are Mathematics, Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies.

COMPLETION OF 2019/2020 FOR ECE TO 5^TH GRADE

The Early Childhood Education level to 5^th grade will not be enrolled in physical activities to complete the 2019/2020 academic year as more review is conducted to adequately plan for the opening of the ECE level for the next academic year. Schools are urged to facilitate the packaging of lessons as homework for the ECE to 5^th-grade students and plan for a one-time assessment. The lessons should be packaged into a weekly format outlining daily activities to guide the students and parents. Schools should also complete a study guide and any relevant information on final assessment of students and provided to parents. For assistance on developing these learning materials, kindly contact the Office of the Assistant Minister for Early Childhood Education and the Office of the Assistant Minister for Basic and Secondary Education, respectively.

All final assessment report cards for grades 1 to 11 for the Academic Year 2019/2020 should be completed and distributed by November 16, to 25, 2020, while grade 12 report cards should be completed and distributed by October 26, to 30, 2020.

The Ministry of Education wishes to emphasize that while the enforcement of hygiene rules and practices for a safe school environment is the school administrator’s responsibility, students, families, and communities also have an important role to play in ensuring compliance. Parents are required to continuously observe their children and if the child shows any symptoms of COVID19, and restrict the child from attending classes as well as contact the health team immediately.

Finally, the Ministry of Education reminds all that the Coronavirus pandemic is still a crisis and cautions the public to follow the health guidelines and safety protocols provided by the health authorities.