Monrovia, Liberia – Gilles Fagninou, UNICEF Regional Director General for West and Central Africa, has emphasized the vital role female educators play in improving educational achievement in Liberia, particularly for girls.
On Wednesday, July 2, 2025, Director Fagninou spoke in the One UN House in Monrovia after meeting with representatives of the Liberian government, civil society organizations, educational institutions, and children’s organizations during his tour in Liberia.
He added that he observed the lack of female instructors in the schools he visited. Additionally, he stressed that having more female teachers in the classroom will not only improve learning but also encourages young females to continue their education with confidence.
“The creation of secure, welcoming, and supportive learning environments for girls depends heavily on female educators. They serve as role models who can inspire females to pursue higher education and better lives,” Fagninou explained.
In addition, the UNICEF Regional Director met with representatives of Liberia’s Ministry of Education and toured a number of schools, where he engaged with both teachers and students. While praising Liberia’s initiatives to promote educational access, he advocated for more funding to be allocated to the recruitment and retention of skilled female teachers.
Fagninou’s visit was intended to further UNICEF’s collaboration with Liberia and to reaffirm the organization’s dedication to aiding the nation’s initiatives to enhance education and child welfare.
UNICEF continues to work closely with the Liberian government and partners to promote gender equity in schools, enhance teacher training, and ensure that every child, especially girls, can learn in a safe and supportive environment.
Also, UNICEF Regional Director General for West and Central Africa is visiting as the organization gets ready to introduce a new program framework that will increase assistance in the areas of child protection, health, and education. He affirmed that with the goal to direct activities throughout the ensuing five years, the agency’s Executive Board is now examining a new Liberia Country Programme Document.
The Back to My Classroom program, which President Boakai started in August 2024, is an important component of current initiatives. The initiative, led by the Ministries of Education, Health, and Gender, Children and Social Protection, aims to reintegrate 250,000 out-of-school children by 2027.
Fagninou underscored the significance of making data-driven changes moving forward and stated that the campaign has showed early indications of success.
