Liberia’s education system continues to face significant challenges due to the lasting effects of a 14-year civil war (1989–2003), the 2014 Ebola epidemic, the COVID-19 pandemic, widespread poverty, and limited investment in educational infrastructure. These crises disrupted learning for thousands of children, destroyed or damaged many school buildings, displaced qualified teachers, and weakened the country’s ability to provide quality education, particularly in rural communities. Although the Government of Liberia has made important progress in rebuilding the education sector, many children still lack equitable access to safe, quality learning opportunities.
Rural schools are disproportionately affected by shortages of qualified teachers, overcrowded classrooms, inadequate learning materials, poor infrastructure, and limited access to electricity, technology, and safe transportation. Many children walk long distances to school, increasing absenteeism and dropout rates. Overage enrollment is also common, as many children begin school late or experience interruptions in their education, making them more likely to leave school before completing primary education. UNICEF reports that Liberia continues to have one of the highest rates of out-of-school children in the world, and only about half of children complete primary education.
Unsafe water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) conditions further hinder educational outcomes. Many rural schools lack safe drinking water, functional toilets, handwashing facilities, and separate sanitation facilities for girls. These conditions contribute to illness, absenteeism, and reduced learning time. Adolescent girls are particularly affected because limited menstrual hygiene facilities and inadequate access to sanitary products often cause them to miss school during menstruation. Hunger and malnutrition also reduce students’ ability to concentrate and perform well academically, while the financial burden of uniforms, school supplies, transportation, registration fees, and other education-related expenses prevents many low-income families from keeping their children in school.
Plant a Child on Fertile Soil International seeks to create safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environments where every child can learn, thrive, and build a brighter future.
Liberia’s education system continues to face significant challenges due to the lasting effects of a 14-year civil war (1989–2003), the 2014 Ebola epidemic, the COVID-19 pandemic, widespread poverty, and limited investment in educational infrastructure. These crises disrupted learning for thousands of children, destroyed or damaged many school buildings, displaced qualified teachers, and weakened the country’s ability to provide quality education, particularly in rural communities. Although the Government of Liberia has made important progress in rebuilding the education sector, many children still lack equitable access to safe, quality learning opportunities.
Rural schools are disproportionately affected by shortages of qualified teachers, overcrowded classrooms, inadequate learning materials, poor infrastructure, and limited access to electricity, technology, and safe transportation. Many children walk long distances to school, increasing absenteeism and dropout rates. Overage enrollment is also common, as many children begin school late or experience interruptions in their education, making them more likely to leave school before completing primary education. UNICEF reports that Liberia continues to have one of the highest rates of out-of-school children in the world, and only about half of children complete primary education.
Unsafe water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) conditions further hinder educational outcomes. Many rural schools lack safe drinking water, functional toilets, handwashing facilities, and separate sanitation facilities for girls. These conditions contribute to illness, absenteeism, and reduced learning time. Adolescent girls are particularly affected because limited menstrual hygiene facilities and inadequate access to sanitary products often cause them to miss school during menstruation. Hunger and malnutrition also reduce students’ ability to concentrate and perform well academically, while the financial burden of uniforms, school supplies, transportation, registration fees, and other education-related expenses prevents many low-income families from keeping their children in school.
Plant a Child on Fertile Soil International seeks to create safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environments where every child can learn, thrive, and build a brighter future.
Plant a Child on Fertile Soil International is committed to addressing these barriers through holistic, community-centered programs that promote educational opportunity and child well-being. The organization will provide school supplies, uniforms, scholarships, and tuition assistance to reduce the financial burden on vulnerable families. It will establish school feeding programs to improve attendance, nutrition, and learning outcomes; support reading clubs, libraries, and mentorship programs to strengthen literacy and academic achievement; and implement School Health and WASH initiatives that improve access to safe drinking water, sanitation, hygiene education, and handwashing facilities. In addition, the organization will promote menstrual health education and distribute sanitary pads to help girls remain in school with dignity and confidence. By partnering with schools, communities, government agencies, and development partners, Plant a Child on Fertile Soil International seeks to create safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environments where every child can learn, thrive, and build a brighter future.
We believe every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed in a safe and supportive environment. Our school-based programs are designed to remove barriers that prevent children and youth in Africa from reaching their full potential. Through education, health support, mentorship, and basic needs assistance, we help children stay in school, build confidence, and create brighter futures.
Many children in underserved communities attend school hungry, making it difficult to concentrate, learn, and actively participate in class. Our School Feeding Program provides nutritious meals to students during the school day to support their physical and academic development.
• Improves concentration, learning, and classroom participation
• Encourages consistent school attendance
• Reduces absenteeism caused by hunger and poverty
• Supports healthy growth and child development
• Relieves financial pressure on struggling families
• Creates a better learning environment for students
By addressing hunger, children are better prepared to focus on their education and achieve academic success.
Many students lack basic educational materials such as notebooks, pencils, backpacks, uniforms, and textbooks. Our School Supplies Program helps equip children with the tools they need to learn confidently and participate fully in school activities.
Providing school supplies helps children feel prepared, valued, and ready to succeed.
The School Closet Program provides clothing, shoes, hygiene products, and other essential items to children and youth facing economic hardship.
When children’s basic needs are met, they can focus more fully on learning and personal growth.
Access to books and literacy resources remains limited in many underserved communities. Our Libraries and Reading Clubs Program promotes a culture of reading, learning, creativity, and lifelong education.
Reading programs empower children with knowledge and confidence that can transform their future opportunities.
Many young people need guidance, encouragement, and positive role models to help them navigate life challenges and make healthy decisions. Our Mentorship Program connects children and youth with caring mentors who provide emotional support, life guidance, leadership development, and encouragement.
Mentorship helps young people believe in themselves and discover their potential.
Proper hygiene practices are essential for preventing illness and promoting healthy school environments. We educate students on proper hand washing and personal hygiene practices.
Healthy students are more likely to attend school consistently and perform better academically.
Access to clean and safe drinking water is critical for children’s health and well-being. Our Safe Drinking Water Program supports schools and communities by promoting access to clean water and water safety education.
Clean water is essential for both education and long-term community health.
Many girls miss school during their menstrual cycles because of limited access to sanitary products, lack of education, and stigma surrounding menstruation. Our Menstrual Health Program provides menstrual cycle education, hygiene support, and monthly pad distributions to girls in need.
By supporting menstrual health, we help girls stay in school, protect their health, and pursue their dreams with confidence.
The Scholarship and Tuition Assistance Program helps financially disadvantaged students continue their education by covering school fees, tuition, and other educational expenses. This support enables deserving students to pursue higher education without financial barriers.
