MONROVIA — A candidate in the upcoming Liberia National Students Union (LINSU) elections has outlined his vision for why he seeks to lead the student body in the country. In an exclusive interview with The Liberian Investigator on Thursday in Monrovia, James Washington emphasized the urgent need to upgrade academic programs, particularly at the high school and elementary levels, to better prepare Liberia’s students to compete with their peers in the sub-region.
By Pius Tweh, Contributing Writer
Washington stressed the importance of the Liberian government, through the Ministry of Education, properly monitoring the proliferation of schools across the country. He pointed out that many schools do not meet the standards set by the Ministry for their establishment, particularly due to the lack of necessary equipment such as laboratories. This, he argued, has contributed to poor performance and mass failures in public exams among students attending these schools.
“Owing to our statutory responsibility and historical role, it remains crucial for all of us at the Liberia National Students Union to complement the efforts of the Government of Liberia towards the development of human capital, promoting good governance, and cultivating ethical democratic values, peace, transparency, and accountability,” Washington stated.
He further asserted that with the world rapidly advancing, particularly in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education, the Students’ Union headquarters could serve as a valuable resource where students can enhance their learning by utilizing the research hall. “We will engage with development partners to help equip our libraries with the materials needed,” Washington pledged.
Additionally, Washington and his team plan to engage with the national government on increasing financial allotments to enable the Union to execute its programs effectively. He emphasized that a well-organized system, inclusive of all, would make leadership less burdensome and more effective in tackling the challenges faced by students.
Washington highlighted that the Liberia National Students Union (LINSU) has existed for nearly seventy-five years without its own headquarters. His vision includes securing permanent headquarters and regional structures for the Union, and establishing both hybrid and e-libraries within these facilities, where students will have the resources to research and become masters of their destinies.
The Liberia National Students Union (LINSU) is expected to hold elections later this week to elect a new president, succeeding the current President Mohammed Kamara and his team.
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