• The World Bank approves $88.7 million for the “Excellence in Learning” education project
• The program aims to improve access and quality of education in 2,337 schools across 15 counties
• It will benefit 350,000 students and 12,000 teachers through structured learning and training

The World Bank has approved $88.7 million in funding to support Liberia’s public education system. The funds will finance the Excellence in Learning project (EXCEL), an initiative designed to improve access and learning outcomes in primary schools across the country.

The project, announced on June 10, will support reading, writing, and arithmetic instruction in preschool and primary schools using a structured approach. It aligns with the government’s ARREST Agenda for inclusive development and forms part of the World Bank’s 2025–2030 Country Partnership Framework, which focuses on building a stronger education sector to support job creation.

EXCEL is set to reach 2,337 schools in 15 counties, targeting 350,000 students and 12,000 educators with updated learning materials and training programs. Georgia Wallen, the World Bank’s country director for Liberia, said the project represents the institution’s largest education investment in Liberia to date.

Liberia’s education sector faces persistent challenges, including a lack of facilities, unqualified teachers, and unequal access, especially for girls and children in rural areas. Literacy rates remain low, with school enrollment and retention among the lowest in the region.

To address these issues, the government is also pursuing complementary reforms, including the LEAP program, which outsources management of some public schools to non-governmental partners. Efforts supported by UNICEF and the World Bank include teacher training, school rehabilitation, and modernization of education data systems.