Liberia Ends Primary School Registration Fees

The Liberian government has taken a significant step towards ensuring that all children have access to primary education by eliminating school registration fees from kindergarten through grade 6.

A recent report by Human Rights Watch highlighted the challenges faced by low-income and rural families in affording school registration fees. The fees often forced children out of school, caused them to start years late, or led them to engage in child labor to help pay their fees. According to the report, one-third of Liberian children have never attended school, and only 17 percent completed grade 9.

Parents who spoke to Human Rights Watch shared their struggles in affording the fees. They went into debt, skipped meals, and made extraordinary sacrifices to pay for their children's education. Beatrice, a 17-year-old from Nimba County, was forced to leave school when her parents could not afford her registration fees. She recalled feeling bad and staying home to cry when she saw her friends going to school.

The elimination of school registration fees is seen as a meaningful step towards making primary education more accessible and equitable for all. Fanell Decontee Dewee, a Liberian youth advocate, believes that this policy change will help ensure that children can enroll in and remain in school regardless of their families' financial circumstances.

Roberto Cooper Jr., a Liberian child advocate, also welcomed the decision, saying it is a win for Liberia and an investment in its future. He emphasized that every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed.

## The Impact of School Registration Fees

School registration fees have been a significant barrier to education for many children in Liberia. The fees have forced children out of school, caused them to start years late, or led them to engage in child labor to help pay their fees.

## A New Era for Education in Liberia

The elimination of school registration fees marks a significant shift in Liberia's approach to education. The decision aims to make primary education more accessible and equitable for all, ensuring that children can enroll in and remain in school regardless of their families' financial circumstances.

The new policy is set to begin with the new school year on September 7. If fully implemented, it will help ensure that children can access primary education without facing financial barriers. The decision is seen as a positive step towards creating a more equitable and accessible education system in Liberia.