Liberia advances education with applied scholastics’ intensive training for competency-based learning

Published: March 5, 2025

Monrovia – Liberia has taken a significant step towards educational transformation with the successful completion of a groundbreaking two-week training program organized by Applied Scholastics International.

Held in Monrovia, the training gathered 14 student leaders and educators, who engaged in a rigorous curriculum including sessions on weekends and a public holiday that equipped participants with essential skills to foster competence-based education and enhance learning outcomes in their communities.

Atty. Timothy Bowles, spearheaded the initiative.  He is a distinguished American attorney and International Director for Applied Scholastics who has worked in Liberia for nearly 20 years, instrumental in driving meaningful educational reforms across the region.

“Through its breakthrough achievements in many African countries and internationally, Applied Scholastics advances an effective solution to illiteracy through the  learning methods of American author and humanitarian L. Ron Hubbard,” Bowles explained. “Widely known Study Technology or ‘Study Tech,’ the methodology – one I discovered and used with success in the 1970s as a law student – directly addresses learning comprehension and application. Our Monrovia program – the latest in a string training hundreds of Liberian educators over the past decade – again enabled our participants to recover the full joy of learning and teaching for competent application.”

Nigerian Dr. Olatunde Odewumi, a renowned Study Tech instructor, lead the program alongside Joseph Yarsiah, who ensured the sessions remained engaging, impactful, and results-driven.

Compelling testimony from participant Elijah A. Gueequellie underscored the program’s transformative impact: “Before this training, studying effectively was a challenge. Now, I understand the importance of applying tangible and relatable teaching methods rather than relying solely on verbal explanations. This approach will help revolutionize education in Liberia.”  Gueequellie has since taken on a mentorship role, guiding fellow aspiring teachers and advocating for improved educational methodologies.

The success of this initiative reflects Applied Scholastics International’s commitment to collaborating with educators across West Africa, driving literacy improvement and equipping teachers with practical tools to reshape the educational landscape. This program marks a pivotal moment in Liberia’s journey toward achieving sustainable academic excellence.