“In Liberia, education is more than the transmission of knowledge; it is a ministry of evangelization, healing, hope, and nation-building,” says Sr. Philomena W. Jappah, a member of the Sisters of the Holy Family, Education Secretary of the Diocese of Cape Palmas and National Coordinator for Catholic Schools in Liberia.
Her daily workplaces her at the intersection of faith, education, and social transformation.
The Catholic Church has long played a decisive role in the development of education in Liberia, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
Catholic schools have often been places of stability during times of conflict, displacement, and uncertainty. Inspired by this legacy and shaped by her family upbringing among educators as well as her religious formation, Sr. Philomena came to see education as both a vocation and a mission.
Rooted in Faith and History
She joined the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Family, whose apostolate focuses on family ministry through education and the formation of children.
Inspired by the model of the Holy Family of Nazareth—Jesus, Mary, and Joseph—the sisters are devoted to fostering Christian family life, promoting human dignity, and serving the most vulnerable in society. Rooted in prayer, community life, and apostolic zeal, the congregation seeks to bring Christ’s love into homes, schools, parishes, and communities.
The congregation also engages in health care services and pastoral outreach. This charism continues to guide her commitment to building schools that are academically sound, spiritually grounded, and socially responsive, said Sr. Philomena.
Catholic education strengthened countrywide
“As the Education Secretary of the Diocese of Cape Palmas, my responsibilities include overseeing Catholic schools across the diocese, supporting principals and teachers, and ensuring that our schools meet both Church and national educational standards. This work involves school supervision, teacher training, curriculum support, and collaboration with the Ministry of Education and other partners,” she explained.
“I also work closely with other Diocesan Education Secretaries across the country to promote a unified vision for Catholic education as National Coordinator. Together, we focus on strengthening governance structures, improving teacher quality, safeguarding children, and ensuring that Catholic schools remain accessible to families with limited means,” she added.
Education in a Challenging Context
Liberia continues to face significant educational challenges as a result of years of civil conflict, economic hardship, and limited infrastructure. Many schools struggle with inadequate facilities, a shortage of trained teachers, and scarce learning materials. In rural dioceses like Cape Palmas—my diocese of origin—these challenges are even more pronounced.
