By; Ben TC Brooks
In an important initiative aimed at enhancing educational quality in River Gee County, the County Education Officer has announced a comprehensive plan designed to reassign teachers and implement strategies to boost educational standards in the region.
Scheduled to commence in the upcoming 2025/2026 academic year, this initiative seeks to address ongoing challenges within the educational system and provide students with improved learning opportunities.
In an interview on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, County Education Officer Jallah Sammy outlined the key elements of the plan, highlighting the essential role that qualified teachers play in schools and the importance of distributing resources effectively.
“Our primary objective is to ensure that every child in River Gee has access to quality education, which begins with placing the right teachers in the right schools,” stated Sammy.
The teacher reassignment will involve a thorough evaluation of educators’ performance, qualifications, and the particular needs of schools across the county.
Sammy indicated that schools experiencing difficulties would be given priority for the reassignment of teachers, ensuring that seasoned educators are strategically located to maximize their impact.
The strategy aims to foster an environment of academic excellence and improve overall student achievement.
To monitor the reallocation process and its influence on student outcomes, a robust evaluation system has been established, allowing for prompt adjustments based on collected data to tackle any arising issues.
Sammy also underscored the importance of building partnerships with non-governmental organizations, local businesses, and educational stakeholders to obtain resources and support for River Gee’s educational system.
As part of the process, ongoing training sessions and workshops will be organized to equip educators with the latest teaching methods and pedagogical practices.
According to CEO Sammy, the professional development is vital for enhancing instructional quality and encouraging greater teacher engagement.
However, he noted that the Ministry of Education has pledged to improve the distribution of educational resources such as textbooks and technological tools to ensure all schools have the necessary equipment to provide high-quality education, particularly at the junior and senior high levels.
Sammy mentioned that there are currently over 200 volunteer teachers in River Gee County, with more than 100 making the transition to government employment.
Recently, former teacher Maichel Wesseh brought attention to a pressing concern, revealing that over 150 students at Dartuken Public School in the Tienpo statutory district are unable to attend classes due to a shortage of teachers.
The issue has resonated with many local residents, especially parents in the area.
Numerous other schools in River Gee County have similarly shuttered their doors due to teacher shortages and declining infrastructure, a situation that has sparked alarm among local residents, particularly parents.
The current teacher-to-student ratio stands at 1:32, equating to a maximum of seven teachers for every 225 students, which is a stark contrast to educational systems elsewhere in the nation.
According to the Ministry of Education’s 2022 School Census, River Gee County serves approximately 23,000 students, with around 19,000 enrolled in public schools supported by 711 teachers across 103 facilities.
Of the 472 classrooms available in the county, only 154 are deemed safe for use.
As the plan unfolds, the River Gee community will be closely monitoring how these initiatives will shape the future of education in the county.
