Liberia school fees block education
Analysis based on 6 articles · First reported May 20, 2026 · Last updated May 20, 2026
The report by Human Rights Watch highlights significant barriers to education in Liberia, primarily due to school fees. This issue negatively impacts Liberia's long-term economic development by hindering human capital formation, potentially leading to lower productivity and increased poverty. While the World Bank Group and Global Partnership for Education are providing funding for the EXCEL project to address these issues, the current situation suggests a drag on Liberia's economic potential.
Human Rights Watch released a 75-page report titled 'Without Education, There Will Be Nothing': School Fees and Other Barriers to Education in Liberia, detailing how mandatory fees in Liberia's public schools are preventing children from accessing education. Despite legal guarantees for free education, these fees force many children to delay enrollment, miss school, or drop out, contributing to one of the highest out-of-school rates globally. The report highlights broader challenges including overcrowded classrooms, inadequate infrastructure, and low teacher salaries. It notes that Liberia's 2026 education budget is significantly below international benchmarks. The Excellence in Learning in Liberia (EXCEL) project, supported by the World Bank Group and Global Partnership for Education, aims to address these issues through school grants. Human Rights Watch urges the government of Liberia to eliminate registration fees, expand school grants, and increase education funding to improve access and quality.
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