World Bank Launches EXCEL

The World Bank has officially launched the Excellence in Learning in Liberia (EXCEL) Project, describing it as a transformative national investment aimed at strengthening foundational learning and securing Liberia’s future through quality education.

Speaking at the launch ceremony, World Bank Liberia Country Manager Georgia Wallen said the project represents “a day of hope rooted in the vision of Liberia Rising,” emphasizing that education remains the most powerful tool for national transformation.

Quoting former South African President Nelson Mandela, Wallen reminded the gathering that “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world,” noting that Liberia stands at a pivotal moment in its development journey.

She disclosed that recent learning assessments paint a troubling picture, with two out of every three Grade Three students unable to read a simple story, while four out of five struggle with basic numeracy skills.

“These outcomes are not a reflection of children’s ability, but of the quality of education they are receiving. This is an urgent call to action,” Wallen said.

According to her, the EXCEL Project is specifically designed to confront these challenges head-on by prioritizing reading, writing, and mathematics across early childhood education and all six grades of primary school.

“EXCEL will help position Liberia’s education system to ensure that every child builds the skills they need for life,” she stated.

Wallen emphasized that EXCEL is not merely another intervention, but a nationwide shift in learning delivery.

She explained that the project seeks to support teachers with simple and effective teaching methods, improve school environments, strengthen teacher supervision and support systems; and upgrade data, monitoring, and accountability frameworks.

She further noted that the project aligns fully with the Government of Liberia’s ARREST Agenda, the AAID framework, the Education Sector Plan, and the Partnership Compact, placing education at the center of national recovery and development efforts.

“For the World Bank, EXCEL will be a cornerstone of our partnership with Liberia. Over the next five years, our shared objective is to build the foundations for more and better jobs, beginning with reducing learning poverty,” Wallen said.

She described EXCEL as the largest single investment in education in the history of the World Bank Group’s partnership with Liberia. The project is backed by US$60 million in IDA financing, alongside a US$28.7 million grant from the Global Partnership for Education (GPE).

In addition, Wallen said several development partners, including UNICEF, the European Union, bilateral agencies, and non-governmental organizations, are aligning technical assistance and complementary programs to ensure effective implementation.

She commended the Government of Liberia, particularly the Presidency, the Ministries of Finance and Education, and the Legislature, for prioritizing education and supporting key reforms to deliver measurable results.

Wallen also recognized the critical role of teachers, school administrators, county and district education officers, school management committees, parents, and students, describing them as the true drivers of success for the project.

“Together, we will help Liberia’s children learn more, stay in school, and acquire the skills to thrive. When children EXCEL, Liberia EXCELS,” she said.

She concluded by describing the EXCEL Project as an investment in Liberia’s bright, prosperous, and sustainable future.