Commissions Kakata Senior Secondary Model School
Kakata, Margibi County – President Joseph N. Boakai has issued a clear and strong warning to Liberians, saying that the “hand-to-mouth” mindset needs to stop. The President emphasised that national development can no longer be restricted to short-term gains and must instead focus on creating sustainable institutions that empower future generations during the commissioning ceremony of the Kakata Senior Secondary Model School, which was constructed by the Ministry of Education and funded by the World Bank on Thursday, March 19, 2026, in Kakata, Margibi County.
“We know there are people who think only about what they will eat today by saying, dah school we will eat, dah road we will eat, dah yellow machine we will eat,” President Boakai said.
He said that the time has passed and that it is now necessary to provide Liberian citizens with high-quality services. President Boakai emphasised that Liberia’s future depends on its people, especially its youth, adopting a new perspective that views them as the nation’s builders rather than as reliant on the meagre resources of the state.
“This is the time to build a new mentality, one that makes our people believe that the future of this country rests in its youth,” he said. Boakai added, “We must create opportunities here at home instead of always looking outside.”
The Liberian leader also stressed the strategic significance of Margibi County, pointing out that it is home to important national resources including the nation’s principal airport and industrial establishments. However, the President reiterated the decision made by his government to transform the institution into a cutting-edge center of excellence that will generate competent graduates who will propel Liberia’s growth.
He insisted that the collaboration with the World Bank represents an increase in international trust in Liberia’s commitment to enacting reforms and funding worthwhile initiatives. “There was a time people believed support would come without accountability. But our partners support those who are serious and committed,” he stated. Boakai, “We are proving that Liberia is ready.”
The President noted that government investment alone cannot ensure success without community responsibility, he encouraged students, educators, and local authorities to take ownership of the school. “You have a role to play in what this school becomes. The kind of students produced here will determine the future of this country,” he explained.
The Liberian leader centred the importance of ending reliance and creating a productive society, encouraging people to embrace entrepreneurship, agriculture, and skill development as means of achieving self-sufficiency. “We don’t want our people to be beggars. We want them to be farmers, producers, people who can provide for their families and send their children to good schools right here in Liberia,” the President said.
President Boakai reiterated the dedication of his administration and stated that the model school project is just the start of a larger national initiative to upgrade educational facilities and give Liberian kids respectable learning settings. “Liberians deserve the best, and we are here to give it to them,” he concluded.
The World Bank team and other education stakeholders attended the event, which highlighted the government’s renewed dedication to technical and vocational education as a key component of economic change. The program is a part of continuous efforts by the government and its allies to reframe Liberia’s education system as a catalyst for long-term national development and inclusive progress.
