By: Julius Konton
Director-General of the Civil Service Agency (CSA), Dr. Josiah F. Joekai Jr., has called on Liberian parents and guardians to make the education, discipline, and emotional well-being of their children their highest priority, warning that the country’s future depends on the investments families make in today’s young generation.
Delivering the keynote address at the Kindergarten II Graduation Ceremony of the Aware College of Professional Studies on GSA Road in Paynesville, Montserrado County, Dr. Joekai described parenting as one of the nation’s greatest responsibilities, emphasizing that every child possesses the potential to become a valuable national asset.
Addressing graduates, parents, educators, and invited guests, the CSA Director-General urged families to remain committed to nurturing their children academically, morally, and emotionally despite the many challenges associated with raising them.
“Parents, our children are depending on us. These little boys and girls sitting before us have promising futures.
The future of our families, communities, and nation depends on what we do for them today.
We cannot fail them. We cannot neglect them. We cannot give up on them,” Dr. Joekai declared.
He stressed that parenting extends far beyond providing food, clothing, and shelter.
According to him, true parenting requires continuous guidance, patience, sacrifice, discipline, and unconditional love that enables children to develop into responsible citizens capable of contributing meaningfully to Liberia’s development.
Reflecting on the responsibilities of parents and guardians, Dr. Joekai reminded families that children rely entirely on adults for protection, education, and moral direction.
“These children never asked to come into this world. We brought them here. It was our choice. It was our decision. It was our responsibility. Because it was our responsibility to bring them here, it remains our responsibility to guide them, support them, protect them, and educate them.”
He encouraged parents to stay actively involved in every stage of their children’s education by monitoring homework, celebrating achievements, offering encouragement during setbacks, and creating homes filled with love rather than fear.
“When they make mistakes, teach them. When they fail, support them. When they succeed, celebrate them. Most importantly, make them feel loved. Talk to them. Listen to them. Encourage them and make them feel special,” he urged.
Speaking directly to the graduating Kindergarten II pupils, Dr. Joekai reminded them that their educational journey had only just begun.
He explained that early childhood education serves as the cornerstone upon which all future academic success is built, urging the children to remain curious and committed to learning throughout their lives.
The CSA Director-General outlined Liberia’s educational pathway from Early Childhood Development through elementary, junior high, senior high, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), and ultimately college or university emphasizing that success at every stage depends on a solid educational foundation established during the earliest years.
“Everything you become tomorrow begins with what you learn today,” he told the graduates.
Education continues to occupy a strategic position within Liberia’s national development framework, including the government’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID), which identifies education and human capital development as critical pillars for economic transformation, job creation, and improved public service delivery.
According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the World Bank, investments in quality early childhood education significantly improve literacy, school completion rates, workforce productivity, and long-term national economic growth.
Research consistently shows that children who receive quality early learning opportunities are more likely to remain in school, secure employment, and contribute positively to society.
Liberia has, in recent years, continued implementing reforms aimed at expanding access to early childhood education, improving teacher quality, increasing school enrollment, and strengthening learning outcomes as part of broader efforts to rebuild its education sector following years of civil conflict and the disruptions caused by the Ebola epidemic and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr. Joekai praised the administration, teachers, and staff of the Aware College of Professional Studies for their dedication to shaping Liberia’s future leaders through quality early childhood education.
He pledged the Civil Service Agency’s continued support for initiatives that promote educational excellence and human capital development.
“The work you are doing today is shaping the Liberia of tomorrow,” he said.
As dozens of young graduates celebrated an important milestone in their academic journey, Dr. Joekai’s message resonated beyond the ceremony serving as a national reminder that Liberia’s aspirations for sustainable development, stronger institutions, and inclusive economic growth ultimately begin with well-supported children, committed parents, and quality education.
