MCSS Students Take to the Streets: "We Want Learn, Rescue Mission"
- Michael T
- Mar 24
- 2 min read
Hundreds of students have taken to the streets, chanting "We Want Learn, Rescue Mission," as they protest the ongoing teachers' strike that has left their schools closed. The strike, initiated by the Monrovia Consolidated School System Teachers Association (MCSSTA), is a response to the government's failure to address teachers' demands for better pay, job security, and increased funding for schools136.
The MCSSTA, led by President Augustine N. Nyormui, has expressed frustration over the current government's lack of engagement, contrasting it with past administrations that were more responsive to teachers' concerns. Nyormui noted that former officials used to respond to their communications, but the current government has refused to engage, which he described as "sad and unfortunate" for a government claiming to prioritize education13.
The strike has resulted in the closure of over 20 schools, affecting thousands of students, particularly those preparing for regional and national exams. This situation emphasizes the broader challenges facing Liberia's education sector, including underfunding and neglect of teachers' welfare136.
Critics argue that the government's priorities are misplaced. While officials enjoy lavish lifestyles, teachers struggle to make ends meet. The MCSSTA has pointed out that ministers and government officials earn high salaries and drive luxurious cars, yet teachers, who play a pivotal role in shaping the nation's future, continue to suffer13.
The economic implications of neglecting education are significant. A well-educated workforce is essential for economic growth and development. By underinvesting in education, Liberia risks losing its intellectual capital and perpetuating cycles of poverty6.
The Liberian government must take immediate action to address teachers' demands. This includes implementing salary adjustments, regularizing volunteer teachers, and increasing funding for schools. Anything less would be a betrayal of the trust placed in them by the public13.
The fate of Liberia's education system hangs in the balance. The government's refusal to engage with teachers and address their grievances is not just a financial issue; it's a moral and ethical one. By neglecting teachers, Liberia risks losing its most valuable resource: its future generations. It is imperative that the government takes a proactive stance to resolve this crisis and ensure that education remains a priority for the nation's development6.
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Additional Sources:
https://thenewsnewspaperonline.com/students-teargassedprotest-against-pitiful-learning-conditions/
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/delay-in-teachers-salaries-sparks-unrest-in-liberia/1617043
https://edutimesafrica.com/liberian-teachers-strike-a-reflection-of-africas-education-crisis/
https://newspublictrust.com/another-students-protest-looming-as-ul-lecturers-begin-strike-thursday
https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/eu-school-teachers-strike-equal-rights-union-protection-2025-03-19/.MCSS Students Take to the Streets: "We Want Learn, Rescue Mission"MCSS Students Take to the Streets: "We Want Learn, Rescue Mission"
https://freedomnews.org.uk/2025/03/13/tesla-attacks-iranian-author-arrested-mali-teachers-strike/.MCSS Students Take to the Streets: "We Want Learn, Rescue Mission"
https://lr.usembassy.gov/demonstration-alert-u-s-embassy-monrovia-liberia-march-10-2025/.MCSS Students Take to the Streets: "We Want Learn, Rescue Mission"
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2018_West_Virginia_teachers'_strike
https://www.scholarsatrisk.org/report/2021-08-02-university-of-liberia/
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