By Journalist D. Abraham Cooper Sr., Nimba D-9 TV, Grand Gedeh County Reporter
Zwedru, Grand Gedeh County, Liberia: – In a distressing revelation, Mr. G. Wiah Bohlen, the Headmaster and TVET Manager of Zwedru Multilateral High School, has sounded the alarm over the staggering failure rates in mathematics and English among students during the 2023/2024 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). In an interview held on September 17, 2024, he described the situation as a crisis that necessitates urgent action from educational stakeholders and policymakers.
According to Mr. Bohlen, a mere 20 out of over 200 students who participated in the WASSCE were able to pass, resulting in an alarming overall pass rate of just 10%. Among the students, only 9% achieved passing grades in six to seven subjects, underscoring the severity of the educational challenges faced not only by Zwedru Multilateral but also across the nation.
The headmaster emphasized that these figures reflect a troubling trend in Liberia’s educational system, where failures in core subjects like mathematics and English have become increasingly common. He attributed the situation to various factors, including inadequate teaching resources, a lack of trained educators, and insufficient support for students struggling in these subjects.
“This alarming trend should not be taken lightly,” Mr. Bohlen stated. “We must conduct a thorough investigation to understand the root causes of these failures and implement solutions that can uplift our educational standards.” He urged educational stakeholders, including the Ministry of Education and local government officials, to prioritize this issue and take immediate action to prevent further deterioration of academic performance.
In a message of encouragement, Mr. Bohlen advised the senior students who faced disappointing results to remain hopeful and resilient. “While these results are disheartening, I urge you not to lose hope. Education is a journey, and setbacks can often lead to greater growth,” he said.
As the community grapples with this troubling news, Mr. Bohlen’s call to action serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of investing in education to ensure that future generations are equipped with the necessary skills to succeed. The Zwedru Multilateral High School community, alongside concerned stakeholders, must come together to address this crisis and foster a brighter future for its students.
Stay tuned to Nimba D-9 TV for ongoing coverage and updates on this developing story and the efforts to improve educational outcomes in Grand Gedeh County and beyond.
