BY: JOHN KAMARA TAYLOR
Monrovia — The Ministry of Education and members of the Local Education Group (LEG) have formally honored outgoing UNICEF Representative in Liberia and LEG Co-Chair, Mr. Andy Brooks, as he concludes his distinguished service in the country.
The farewell celebration took place during a LEG meeting chaired by Minister of Education Dr. Jarso Maley Jallah, bringing together senior government officials and international education partners to review critical sector priorities. Key agenda items included the Annual School Census and EMIS, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), the Back to My Classroom Campaign, the Mid-Term Review of the Education Sector Plan and Partnership Compact, European Union support to strengthen EMIS, and the development of a national EMIS Policy.
Reflecting on his tenure alongside the Ministry, Mr. Brooks spoke warmly of a guiding principle he and Minister Jallah came to share the importance of never becoming so accustomed to persistent problems that unacceptable conditions begin to seem normal.
He emphasized that this mindset reinforced the need to continually question what could be improved and to remain resolutely focused on the conditions children experience within Liberia’s education system.
Mr. Brooks also highlighted a growing alignment of development partnerships around the Ministry’s reform priorities, which are consistent with the Government’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development. Underscoring education as central to the nation’s development trajectory, he encouraged continued collaboration and reminded all stakeholders to “never lose sight of what you can do to make a difference.”
In her remarks, Minister Jallah expressed deep appreciation for Mr. Brooks’ leadership, partnership, professionalism, and friendship, acknowledging his invaluable contribution to the Ministry’s work and to stronger, more coordinated collaboration across the education sector.
On behalf of the Ministry and its Senior Management Team, the Minister presented Mr. Brooks with gifts as a token of gratitude for his dedicated service.
The Ministry of Education extends its sincere thanks to Mr. Brooks for his lasting contribution to Liberia’s education sector and wishes him every success in his next chapter.