MONROVIA, LIBERIA, – Following consensus by West African Examination Council (WAEC) members’ countries, the President of the Republic of Liberia, H.E. Dr. George Manneh Weah, on June 5, 2020, mandated the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Health to put in all mechanism by June 22, to ensure that the 12th graders resume classes to adequately prepare for the West African Senior Secondary Certificate Examinations. As a result, the Ministry of Education (MoE) in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the National Public Health Institute (NPHIL) has completed a comprehensive guideline, safe school measures, and the activity timeline for the reopening.
The Ministry of Education in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the National Public Health Institute (NPHIL) has concluded the timeline and safe school protocols ahead of the reopening.
Reopening schools for 12th graders only
Only 12th graders are allowed back to school in preparation for the upcoming WASSC Examinations. The West African Examinations Council members’ countries are in final deliberations on the matter, and thereof, WAEC Liberia shall announce the exact date of the start of the examinations. The tentative period for commencement of WASSCE administration is stated as mid-August 2020.
Only 12th graders from 707 senior high schools are allowed back to school in preparation for the upcoming WASSCE. The West African Examinations Council members’ countries are in final deliberations on the matter, and thereof, WAEC Liberia shall announce the exact date of the start of the examinations. The tentative period for commencement of WASSCE administration is stated as mid-August 2020.
The week of June 22 to 26, 2020, will serve as an orientation and preparation period that allows the appropriate health authorities and school administrations to finally set up the safe school requirements, as well as train the teachers, support staff, and students on safety measures. Following the orientation, the instructional period or classes will commence on June 29, 2020.
School contact hours and sessions
It is also confirmed that all schools shall operate using the regular school hours to complete the prescribed academic activities for 12th graders. That all schools should develop a one-shift schedule, to accommodate all students (Morning, Afternoon, and Night shifts) at the same time using multiple classrooms of a minimum number of students in adherence to physical distancing.
Safe School Protocol
In line with keeping students and school administrators, teachers and support staff safe, the Ministry of Education in collaboration with the Ministry of Health (MoH), the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL) and partners have completed a “GUIDELINES FOR SAFE SCHOOL ENVIRONMENTS IN THE CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) OUTBREAK IN LIBERIA” and requires that all schools have necessary safety materials in place.
Finally, the Ministry of Education reminds all that the Coronavirus pandemic is still a crisis and cautions the public to follow the health guidelines and safety protocols provided by the health authorities. The Ministry also encourages all to perform voluntary testing or in the case whereby one feels any symptoms of COVID-19.
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For more information, contact the MoE via email: [email protected] or Facebook Ministry of Education-Liberia / www.moe-liberia.org
See below-supporting links on the guideline for safe school and flipbook for implementing safe school protocols and
