Liberian Leader Launches Literate Liberia Movement--Encourages Market Women

Friday, 19th June 2009

Monrovia, Liberia - Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has formally launched a grassroots literacy movement, Literate Liberia, in Monrovia, with an assurance that Government will continue to support efforts to provide educational opportunities for Liberians who wish to learn, particularly market women.

The President commended the organizers of the campaign for providing an opportunity for market women to learn how to read and write. She also lauded women who have volunteered their time to attend the literacy classes. An Executive Mansion release says the Liberian leader urged all women to take advantage of the program. She encouraged those who can read and write to provide whatever little time they can to teach others.

The President said her presence at the program was indicative of the importance she attaches to literacy programs, and indicated her willingness to volunteer her services for the literacy movement, whose theme is “each one, teach one.”

Education Ministry officials, including the Deputy Minister for Instruction, the Director of the Adult Literacy Program and the head of the newly established literacy program, as well as a member of the program, Mr. Daniel Johnson, promised to work diligently in ensuring its success.

At the program, held at the Nancy B. Doe Jorkpentown Market, several market women who have been participating in the program, expressed delight that they could now write their names. They thanked the President and officials of the new literacy movement for providing the opportunity to enable them to learn to read and write.

Meanwhile, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf says Government is aware of the challenges facing public relations officers and will put into place measures to address the challenges. Speaking at the close of a workshop for Government public affairs personnel, facilitated by veteran Liberian media specialist, Dr. Abdoulaye Dukule, the President said the role of public relations officers is crucial to the dissemination of Government policies. She thanked them for their commitment, discipline and sacrifice.  

Information Minister, Dr. Laurence Bropleh, who also spoke at the workshop closing, expressed hope that skills acquired by the public affairs officers will help them disseminate information effectively.

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