Published: July 8, 2025
BUCHANAN, Grand Bassa County — Public school teachers across Liberia stand to benefit from increased financial support and services following a strong financial showing by the National Teachers Association of Liberia Credit Union Cooperative Society (NATLCUCS), which reported a surplus of more than L$16.1 million for 2024.
The announcement was made at the Union’s 6th Annual General Assembly held in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County, where delegates hailed the achievement as a milestone in the fight to improve the welfare of Liberia’s educators.
Empowering Educators Through Financial Services
Serving as keynote speaker, Deputy Minister for Instruction at the Ministry of Education, Amos Armah-Fully, praised the Union for strengthening financial literacy among teachers and offering credit services that empower them economically.
“Teachers are the backbone of our nation’s development,” he said. “They deserve the knowledge, tools, and financial support to lead stable lives and provide quality education.”
He further emphasized the importance of professionalizing the teaching sector, cautioning against treating education as a temporary or fallback career.
Growth, Surplus, and Systemic Challenges
Outgoing Board Chairman Joeson B. Whisnant Sr., presenting the Union’s 2024 financial report, revealed a net surplus of L$16,139,734.68, up from L$14 million the previous year.
Other notable achievements included:
- Disbursing L$215 million in loans, which generated L$44 million in interest
- Successful board elections across 10 counties
- Participation in international training programs in The Gambia and Kenya
- Nationwide awareness campaigns to boost membership
With 3,377 active members as of December 2024, Whisnant applauded the dedication of members but expressed concern over a growing trend of teachers taking out multiple loans from different institutions without proper deductions.
“This is a troubling development that threatens the financial stability of many of our members,” he warned.
Whisnant also highlighted the need for expanded office space, improved staff salaries, and temporary facilities as the Union prepares to construct a permanent headquarters.
New Leadership Sets Ambitious Goals
Newly elected Board Chairman Freeman K. Duo pledged to grow membership to 10,000, arguing that a stronger base will enhance the Union’s ability to serve teachers nationwide.
“We are planning to introduce a digital data management system,” Duo announced. “The manual system is no longer sustainable as our numbers grow.”
Duo also unveiled the formation of an education and recruitment committee aimed at mobilizing teachers nationwide and increasing awareness of the Union’s programs.
Push for Mandatory Membership and Member Testimonials
National Teachers Association President Mary Nyumah lauded the Union’s progress and called on the Ministry of Education to mandate Credit Union membership for all public school teachers.
Several members shared personal testimonies, including one educator who said, “Me owning a house today is because of this association.”
New Officers Elected for 3-Year Term
The assembly concluded with the election of new leadership to guide NATLCUCS for the next three years:
- Freeman K. Duo, Chairman
- J. McCarthy Yarkpawolo, Vice Chairman
- Madam Sarah K. Kopeh, Treasurer
- Mr. Jacob Karney, Chaplain
- Mr. Anderson N. Tamba Sr., Secretary General & Manager
Founded in 2013 during the 64th National Teachers Association Convention, NATLCUCS has grown to become Liberia’s largest teacher-led financial institution. Through savings, loans, and empowerment initiatives, the Union continues to play a central role in lifting Liberian educators out of poverty and promoting economic independence.
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