The World Bank has pledged substantial support to Liberia’s new Excellence in Learning in Liberia (EXCEL) project, calling it a critical intervention to reverse alarming literacy and numeracy gaps and build the country’s human capital.
Speaking at the project launch, World Bank Liberia Country Manager Georgia Wallen described the initiative as “a day of hope rooted in the vision of Liberia Rising” and urged urgent action to address early learning deficits.
Citing recent assessment data, Wallen warned that “two out of three Liberian children in grade 3 are unable to read a simple story, and four out of five struggle to demonstrate basic numeracy skills,” saying these figures “are an urgent call to action for all of us.”
EXCEL aims to sharpen the education system’s focus on foundational skills—reading, writing and mathematics across early childhood education and all six grades of primary school.
Wallen said the program will help teachers adopt simple, effective methods to ensure every child learns, improve school environments, strengthen teacher support, and upgrade data and accountability systems.
The World Bank is providing $60 million in International Development Association (IDA) financing, making EXCEL the largest education investment in the history of the World Bank Group’s partnership with Liberia.
The Global Partnership for Education (GPE) is co-financing the project with a $28.7 million grant, and development partners including UNICEF, the European Union and several bilateral agencies and NGOs have committed technical assistance and complementary investments.
Wallen said the five-year program aligns with the government’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development and Liberia’s Education Sector Plan, and that the World Bank’s broader country program will use EXCEL to help reduce “learning poverty” and lay the foundations for “more and better jobs.”
She also praised government ministries, the legislature and local education stakeholders for prioritizing reforms and implementation capacity.
“The World Bank and partners will work to help Liberia’s children learn more, stay in school, and build the skills to thrive and lead fulfilling and productive lives.” She said. “When they EXCEL, Liberia EXCELS.”
