The Minister of Education Dr. Jarso Maley Jallah has officially announced the reintroduction of Civics into Liberia’s school curriculum, saying the return of the subject is intended to help shape responsible citizens and prepare students to contribute meaningfully to the country’s future.
The announcement was made during activities marking Liberia’s 179th National Flag Day celebration held under the theme, “From Heritage to Hope: The Flag That Unites Us.”
Speaking at the ceremony, the education minister said the theme carries an important lesson for Liberians, particularly the responsibility that comes with citizenship. She emphasized that children do not learn citizenship only from textbooks and classrooms, but also by observing the conduct of adults around them. “Children learn citizenship by watching us too,” the Minister stressed.
According to her, loving and building Liberia requires citizens to understand that citizenship comes with responsibilities not merely rights. Madam Jallah said the decision to reintroduce Civics into schools is rooted in the belief that the Liberia the citizens hope to build tomorrow is already represented in today’s classrooms. “The Republic we hope to build tomorrow is already sitting in our classrooms”
The Minister said the return of Civics is expected to strengthen students’ understanding of citizenship, national identity, civic responsibility and the values necessary to build a peaceful and united society.
She linked the initiative directly to the National Flag Day theme, stressing that the national flag should serve as more than a symbol displayed on public buildings or during national celebrations. Instead, Minister Jallah said the flag should inspire Liberians especially young people to understand their role in protecting, developing and strengthening the Republic.
The education minister also recognized and presented members of her team at the Ministry of Education to Prez. Boakai, outlining their efforts in advancing Liberia’s education system, stressing that strengthening education remains central to the country’s long-term development
Jallah made the declaration on Monday, August 24, 2026, at the Executive Pavilion in Monrovia during the celebration of Liberia’s 179th National Flag Day, describing the return of Civics Education as an important investment in the country’s future.
She said Liberia cannot expect children to become responsible citizens simply by teaching them how to identify the national flag, recite the national anthem or respect national symbols. Instead, students must understand the meaning of citizenship and the responsibilities that come with being Liberian.
According to the Minister, civic education should help children understand the society they are part of and the role they will eventually play in shaping its future. She said students need to learn how democratic institutions function, what rights citizens possess and what responsibilities accompany those rights.
Jallah also highlighted the importance of teaching children how to manage disagreements. She said young Liberians must understand that disagreement is a normal part of democratic life and that people with different opinions should not automatically be treated as enemies.
The Minister’s message places Civics Education at the center of Liberia’s efforts to strengthen national cohesion and democratic culture. She said the subject should help students develop the ability to participate constructively in society while respecting the rights and views of others.
The Ministry’s decision to restore Civics Education is being accompanied by the official launch of standardized Civics textbooks for primary schools. Jallah expressed appreciation to Wahala Publishing Company for supporting the initiative.
The standardized materials are intended to give schools and teachers structured resources for teaching the subject and ensuring that students across Liberia receive a consistent foundation in civic knowledge.
But Jallah warned that textbooks alone cannot produce responsible citizens. She said children also learn from what they see adults doing every day. Parents, teachers, community leaders, public officials and institutions must therefore become examples of the citizenship values being taught in classrooms. “If we teach children to respect the law, adults must demonstrate respect for the law,” her remarks emphasized.
Likewise, she said adults cannot expect young people to prioritize national interests while repeatedly placing personal, political, ethnic or other loyalties above the country. The Minister called for a society in which citizenship is demonstrated through conduct rather than simply discussed in classrooms. She said good citizenship should be reflected in how Liberians treat one another, resolve disagreements, respect institutions and contribute to their communities.
