Air Field Community,
Monrovia, Liberia,
June 20, 2024

Dear Abena,

    I hope this letter meets you in good health and sound mind. I received your letter and have carefully gone through it. It touched my heart deeply to read that you are considering dropping out of school. I understand that life can sometimes be overwhelming, but I want to urge you to rethink your decision. Let me share with you three important reasons why staying in school is the best choice for your future.

    First and foremost, education opens doors. In today’s world, it is hard to make it without proper education. Having a high school diploma or even going further to college gives you opportunities that many people only dream about. It allows you to stand out when applying for jobs and gives you the ability to make a better life for yourself and even for the family. Dropping out may seem like the easiest thing to do right now, but it will limit your chances in the future. Remember, education is a gift no one can take away from you once you have it.

    Secondly, think about the sacrifices others have made for you to go to school. Our family may not have much, but we all want to see you succeed. Mama and Papa have worked tirelessly to ensure you get the best they can afford, despite the challenges. Dropping out would mean all their efforts and prayers have been in vain. You owe it to yourself and to them to finish what you have started. They believe in you, and I know you can make them proud.

    Lastly, education empowers you to make a difference. As a young Liberian girl, staying in school means you are preparing yourself to be part of the change our country needs. Liberia needs educated young people to lead, solve problems, and create better opportunities for the next generation. By staying in school, you are not just helping yourself—you are helping your community and inspiring other girls to do the same.

    Sister, I know there are days when things feel tough, but remember that nothing good comes easy. Every great person you see today went through challenges, but they kept pushing forward. If you are facing any difficulties—whether it is about your studies, finances, or personal matters—please do not keep it to yourself. Talk to me, Mama, or Papa, and we will do our best to help you. You are not alone in this journey.

    Please think about what I have shared with you. Take your time and pray over it. I believe in you, and I know you are capable of achieving great things. Stay strong, and let me hear from you soon.

Mary Saah Gbolee
0-899-445-737

My people, let me tell you something! The sports competition last weekend was fire, pure fire! It was held at the big field near the town, and I tell you, the place was packed like market day. Everybody was shouting, jumping, and blowing trumpets. The energy was so high, eh! Our school, Royal Academy, was facing Bright Future High, and the tension was heavy. These people had been boasting all week that they would beat us hands down.

The first event was the 100-meter race. My man Joe was representing us. He’s small but fast like a breeze. When the whistle blew, Joe took off like a motorbike. Everyone was screaming, “Go, Joe! Go, Joe!” It was close, but Joe crossed the line first. The crowd went crazy. That’s when I knew, eh, today we’re not going to carry last.

Next was the high jump. Bright Future had one tall guy who looked like he could jump over a building. Our guy, Moses, was no joke either. The bar went higher and higher, and both of them kept clearing it. Finally, the Bright Future guy missed, and Moses nailed it. Everyone carried Moses up like he was a hero.

Now, let me tell you about the football match. That one was war! Bright Future scored first. Their supporters started dancing and mocking us, saying we were finished. But our captain, James, said, “My people, calm down. We got this.” Second half, eh, James dribbled like Messi and scored one goal. The crowd erupted! Then, in the final minute, David, our striker, got the ball. He shot it, and it went straight into the net. Goal! I swear, I almost lost my voice from shouting.

But the real suspense came in the last event: the relay race. It was neck and neck. Our anchor, Sarah, was up against their best runner. Sarah is small, but she has fire in her legs. When they passed her the baton, she started running like a cheetah. Bright Future’s runner was catching up, but just before the finish line, Sarah pushed harder and crossed first. The whole stadium shook from the noise.

When they announced the winner, and it was Royal Academy, I felt like bursting with joy. We shouted, danced, and sang our school anthem. Even the principal was jumping. Bright Future’s people couldn’t even talk again.

My people, you missed a lot! Next time, don’t sit home o, because this was the sweetest victory ever. Royal Academy is the champion, and we’ll keep that title for long!

By: Mary Saah Gbolee
11th Grade Class 2024

Doe Community,
Bushrod Island - Monrovia,
Republic Of Liberia,

June 20, 2024

The Chairman
Parent-Teacher Association
St. Paul Academy
Bushrod Island, Monrovia

Dear Chairman,

Subject: Request for Rehabilitation of Recreational Facilities

    I greet you respectfully and pray that this letter meets you in good health. My name is Sekou Kollie, and I am a proud student of St. Paul Academy. With a heavy heart, I am writing to inform you about the poor condition of our school’s recreational facilities, which are now in a deplorable state.

    The football field, which used to be a place of joy and energy, is now almost unusable. Grass has overgrown the field, and the goalposts are either leaning or broken. The basketball court has big cracks, and the rims are rusted and falling apart. Even the swings, seesaws, and slides in the playground are either rusted or completely damaged. Some have been left unattended for so long that they are now dangerous to use.

    This situation has brought serious problems to us as students. Recreation is not just about having fun; it is also about keeping our minds and bodies active. Without these facilities, many of us have no way to release stress or stay fit. Students now spend break times sitting around or wandering aimlessly because there is nowhere safe for us to play. This has led to frustration, and for some, a lack of interest in coming to school altogether.

    The damaged facilities are also a hazard. A few of my classmates have already sustained injuries while trying to use the broken swings or playing on the rough football field. As parents, teachers, and students, we all want the best for St. Paul Academy, but without proper recreational spaces, we are losing one of the key elements that make school life enjoyable and meaningful.

    Chairman, I am writing to humbly ask for your help. On behalf of all the students, I kindly appeal to you and the Parent-Teacher Association to step in and help restore the recreational facilities. With proper repairs and some new additions, we can create a safe and exciting space for all students. This will not only help us stay healthy and active but also strengthen the bond between students through sports and play.

    We know that with your leadership and the combined efforts of the PTA, parents, and well-wishers, St. Paul Academy can regain its reputation as a school that prioritizes the overall development of its students. We sincerely hope this letter touches your heart and that you will consider this issue as urgent.

    Thank you very much for taking the time to read my letter. We look forward to seeing the changes that will bring joy back to our school.

Yours respectfully,
Sekou Kollie
Grade 11 Student
St. Paul Academy

In recent years, many schools in Liberia have introduced compulsory extra lessons after regular school hours. While the idea may seem helpful, opinions about these lessons vary among students, parents, and even teachers. Some see them as a way to improve academic performance, while others believe they create unnecessary pressure. Let’s take a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages of compulsory extra lessons.

The Good Side of Extra Lessons

To begin with, extra lessons provide students with more time to focus on challenging subjects. In regular school hours, teachers often rush through the syllabus to meet deadlines. As a result, students who do not understand certain topics are left behind. Extra lessons give these students a chance to catch up. For example, if a student struggles with math, the additional time allows them to ask questions and practice more.

Moreover, extra lessons help prepare students for exams like the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). These lessons focus on solving past questions and revising key topics, which can boost students’ confidence. Many parents are happy to pay for extra lessons because they believe the additional teaching improves their children’s results.

Lastly, in some communities, extra lessons keep students occupied in a positive way. Instead of wandering around the streets, children remain in school, where they are supervised and learning. This reduces the chances of getting involved in harmful activities.

The Downside of Extra Lessons

Despite the benefits, compulsory extra lessons also come with challenges. First and foremost, they can be exhausting for students. After spending the whole day in school, students need time to rest, play, and help with chores at home. Extra lessons leave little time for relaxation, which can lead to burnout. A tired student cannot perform well in class, no matter how many extra hours they spend learning.

Additionally, not every family can afford the fees for extra lessons. In some cases, schools pressure parents to pay, making it difficult for families already struggling to make ends meet. Education should be a right, not a privilege for those who can afford it.

Furthermore, compulsory extra lessons may discourage some teachers from doing their best during regular school hours. If teachers know there are extra lessons, they might intentionally teach less in the main classes to create a demand for additional lessons. This is unfair to students and parents who already pay school fees.

Striking a Balance

While extra lessons can be beneficial, they should not be forced on everyone. Schools should make them optional, allowing students who truly need the help to attend while giving others the freedom to go home and rest. Teachers must also ensure they teach effectively during normal hours so that extra lessons become a choice, not a necessity.

In conclusion, compulsory extra lessons can either be a blessing or a burden, depending on how they are implemented. It is important for schools to consider the well-being of students and the financial capacity of parents. Let us work together to create a learning environment that is fair, balanced, and supportive for all. After all, education should not be about how long you study but how well you learn.

In the small town of Salala, Liberia, there was a man named John. John was well known throughout the village for being one of the most honest people around. He lived in a little house with his wife, Martha, and their three children. Life in Salala wasn’t always easy, but John never complained. He worked hard every day and always tried to do what was right, no matter the situation.

One hot afternoon, John went to the Salala market to buy rice and fish for the family. The market was busy, and people were shouting their prices, trying to sell their goods. John walked over to Korto, a tall woman who sold fresh fish every day. Korto was always smiling, and she treated everyone with respect.

John bought some fish from Korto and paid for it, but when he got home and was unpacking the bag, he noticed something strange. There was an extra fish in the bag—more than what he paid for. John looked at the fish, scratched his head, and then looked over at his wife, Martha.

“Martha, come see this,” he called out.

Martha walked over and saw the extra fish. “What’s the problem, John?” she asked.

John shook his head. “Korto give me more fish than I pay for. I need to go back and give it to her.”

Martha looked at the fish and then back at John, shaking her head. “Ahh, John, it’s only one fish. It not worth the trouble. Korto has enough fish. She won’t miss it, and we need this fish for the children. Just leave it.”

But John stood firm. “Martha, I cannot take something that don’t belong to me. I always tell the children to be honest. If I do wrong, how I will teach them right?”

Martha didn’t say much after that. She just nodded. “Alright, John. You do what you think is best.”

John wrapped the fish in a piece of cloth and walked back to the market. When he got to Korto’s table, the woman was packing up her things. John walked up to her and said, “Korto, I think there’s a mistake. You gave me extra fish today. I only paid for what’s in my hand.”

Korto looked at John, surprised. “Eh, John! You bring back the fish? Most people would have just kept it and never said anything. But you? You bring it back. I really appreciate that.”

John smiled and said, “I cannot take what ain’t mine, Korto. It’s not right.”

Korto laughed heartily. “Well, I see you are a true man. That’s how we supposed to live, you know. It’s only the right thing. People don’t always do what’s right, but you show me something different.”

John nodded, and Korto continued, “I tell you what, John. Next time you come, I’ll give you a discount. You’ve earned that. You don’t know how much it means to me that you did this.”

John thanked Korto and walked back home. When he got in, Martha asked, “So, what did Korto say?”

John smiled and sat down. “She was happy that I brought back the fish. She even promised to give me discount next time I buy from her.”

Martha laughed softly. “See, John? I told you. Honesty always pays off in the end.”

John nodded. “Yes, Martha. You see now. No matter how small the thing be, honesty is the best policy. And that’s how I want to live my life, always.”

And from that day, the people of Salala always talked about how John returned the extra fish. They learned that even in small things, being honest is the right way to go. John showed them that being truthful, no matter how difficult, always pays off in the end.