KEEP Liberia, in partnership with the Ministry of Education, officially launched the National Student Handbook (NSH) during the National Student Symposium held at the Ministerial Complex in Congo Town on April 16, 2026. The symposium brought together a little over 200 young people, alongside policymakers and key education stakeholders, for the unveiling of Liberia’s first national policy dedicated to guiding students’ rights and responsibilities.
Earlier this year, the Ministry of Education mandated KEEP Liberia to lead development of three national education policy documents: The National Student Handbook, the School Administrators Handbook, and the National Reading Strategy. The National Student Handbook, the first of these to be completed and launched, addresses sensitive and timely issues including corporal punishment, dress codes, and grounds for suspension, expulsion, and transfer. The handbook establishes clear standards and protections designed to promote safer, fairer, and more consistent learning environments across Liberia.
During the launch, Minister of Education Dr. Jarso Maley Jallah emphasized that “being heard carries responsibilities,” and urged educational stakeholders to adopt and use the National Student Handbook as a practical tool to guide the rights and responsibilities of students nationwide.
KEEP Liberia described the NSH launch as the result of a full 360° process: listening to communities, integrating feedback, and returning a policy that reflects the needs and priorities of schools and families. The handbook is the product of several months of rotational consultations and validation sessions with school systems, education actors, student representatives, the National Teachers Association, the National Principals Association, PTAs, local leaders and other key stakeholders, ensuring that the voices of end users informed the final document.
KEEP Liberia extends sincere appreciation to all partners and stakeholders who contributed to the development and launch of the NSH, with special thanks to Assistant Minister, Bureau of Student Personnel Services Hon. Sona T. Sesay for her unwavering support, and to Amos Doe, KEEP’s Programs Coordinator, who led the NSH project. Recognition is also due to the Liberia National Students Union (LINSU), Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) Liberia, National Parent-Teacher Association Network of Liberia (NAPTANOL), National Association of Liberia School Principals (NALSP), National Teachers Association of Liberia (NTAL), UMOVEMENT, the Catholic Education Secretariat (CES), the Methodist School System, and the many students, PTAs, school leaders and community members whose input made the handbook possible.
Next steps include dissemination of the National Student Handbook to schools and education offices across the country, orientation and training for teachers, administrators and student leaders, and continued monitoring and feedback to ensure the handbook remains responsive to school communities. For copies of the handbook or information about implementation support, please contact KEEP Liberia or the Ministry of Education Bureau of Student Personnel Services.
At KEEP Liberia, we envision a Liberia where over 90% of the population is literate and free from negative social norms. The launch of the National Student Handbook is a pivotal step toward achieving that vision.
