It is quite laudable that China, with a plan to put up a modern campus for the University of Liberia by 2010 at Fendall, has again offered to build three public schools.

The cost for building these schools that are expected to be located in Swen Mecca, Bomi County, and Paynesville in Montserrado County has not been disclosed.

Irrespective of that, one quickly appreciates this project considering the 85 percent illiteracy rate in Liberia coupled with the paucity in public schools.

It also comes at the time this Government is implementing a compulsory, free primary education policy only in public schools. The policy is reported by Ministry of Education authorities as facing challenges; most available institutions are overwhelmed by huge enrollment.

Scores of these children may still be out of school; a sizeable number of school-going age children are constantly seen either idling on the streets of Monrovia throughout the day, or selling between speeding vehicles.

We need to follow the common Liberian adage, "If someone is washing your back, you should wash your stomach' and by that we should complement the Chinese effort.

The Chinese effort is yet another clear demonstration of a strategic partnership of South-South cooperation that borders on providing capacities for the less-fortunate Liberians. It would fully blossom once the Government matches this huge assistance with goodwill.

Simply put, as the Chinese erect structures for schools in Swen, Jacob Town and Soul Clinic, Government needs to consider complementing the Chinese effort by putting up three additional schools on its own in populated communities around the country, such as, Logan Town, Chugbor and Old Road.

Additionally, a worthwhile initiative to enhance a national literacy drive would be a hastened refurbishment of the several teachers' training institutions around the country.

While we applaud the Liberia Teacher Training Program which is out to revamp rural teacher training instructors. But we should not rely on partners alone; Government must be fully involved, committing resources to this effort.

Source: Daily Observer, October 9, 2007