MONROVIA, LIBERIA-The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Liberia Mission Director, has expressed concern over the number of students dropping out of school to seek employment as Pehn-Pehn and Kehkeh riders.
Jim Wright said:” Pehn-Pehn and Kehkeh riding is not a good paying job and is unsustainable.”
Mr. Wright noted that it is due to unsustainability of such low skills employment that the organization continues to work with Education Ministry and other stakeholders, to improve the quality of education in Liberia.
He made the comment when he led a high level delegation to the headquarters of the Monrovia Consolidated School System (MCSS), and met with its Superintendent, Isaac Zawolo.
Meanwhile, Superintendent Zawolo has lauded the contribution of USAID to Liberia’s education sector, adding that it is the biggest success story in the Country’s education sector and naming academic excellence, safe, secure and enticing learning environment, social corporate, community partnership, organizational efficiency and employees welfare as his strategic goals to advance the MCSS.
He said while the system remains a model of excellence, it still faces many challenges, including aging facilities, inadequate training for staff, among others.
According to recent release of the MCSS, Jim Wright was accompanied by USAID Liberia’s Development Outreach and Community Officer, Kwame Clement, and the organization’s Education Specialist, Madea Nyumah.