"International Student Movement"

Additionally, there has been a little increase in the number of community colleges and universities in Liberia prior the civil crisis. The governments own university (University of Liberia) has re-opened an annex in another part of the country to increase the number of students wanting to attend the university. However, the major problem is financial support. There is very little support for the university by the national government.
Most of the time, including this year, this has led to delay in acquiring a degree at the nation’s highest institution of learning. This to some extend has deprived youth and students from acquiring basic education.

Therefore, this report covers the protest as part of the International Day against the Commercialization of Education which was observed at the Urban Day Community School in the Suburb of Monrovia on November 5, 2008.

BACKGROUND

Commercialization of Education has been a fairly recent trend in the world of which Liberia is no exception resulting from educational reform in the last two decades. It mainly materializes itself in mushrooming private schools at different levels. On the other hand, it has added a financial element to the qualifications of attending private schools and public and private universities and also affects millions of families. The commercialization of education as I see it requires structural adjustment, organizational reshuffling, and accountability shift, reconceptualization of whom education is serving and market oriented running mechanisms.

Education should be designed to create opportunities for upward social mobility for those who aspire. It has been observed for many years that students, teaching and technical staff and parents around the world have been resisting steps towards greater commercialization of public education.  Doors are opened for companies and corporation to invest in primary, secondary and higher education, but tuition fees introduced are sky-rocketing, faculties that are unable to attract enough private sponsors are deemed unnecessary and closed and politics increasingly focus on supporting a few educational institutions in the hope to create “elite-schools or universities” at the cost of all the other institutions.

This is why, the Youth for Community Academic and Development Services (YOCADS) joined students and youth activists from more than 20 countries to observed the International Day of Actions against the Commercialization of Education to call on stakeholders, developmental partners and the government to provide education for all despite of conditions or background.

MATERIALS RECEIVED

We want to acknowledge the International Students Movement or other activists for the materials provided to YOCADS which include use camera, posters, three pieces of cloths for banners, paint, pens and others. These materials could not be used on the event date because of late arrival.
However, these materials will help as a long way for the campaign in Liberia.

INVITED INSTITUTIONS

Students that took part in the International Day against the Commercialization of Education came from the following Institutions: University of Liberia; African Methodist Episcopal University; Urban Day Community School; Mark J. Richards Memorial School; Christ Our Foundation and heads of other Students/Youth and Civil society Organization.

PROGRAM VENUE

The International Day against the Commercialization of Education was held in the auditorium of the Urban Day Community School in the suburb of Monrovia on November 5, 2008.

KEYNOTE ADDRESS

The keynote address was made by Alphonso K. Weah, Executive Director of YOCADS and General Coordinator Liberia Chapter International Day against the Commercialization of Education.

ACHIEVEMENTS

• For the first time in Liberia the awareness was made and the program was subsequently held.
• Five schools including University, primary and secondary schools as well as students and youth groups participated.
• Media institutions were present to cover the program.
• The messages went loud and clear to those who have decided to commercialize our education through the media institutions that were present at the protest.

CONSTRAINTS/CHALLENGES

While it is true for the first time such program of this nature was held in Liberia, there are some constraints and challenges we encounter:

• The banners, camera, posters and others did not arrive on time to be used on the day of the protest.
• Since indeed it was the first time for such an event to be held in Liberia, some institutions were some how reluctant to attend protest.
• Limited funds/resources to have the concept paper printed and distributed so as to give people a prior insight as what the International Day against the Commercialization of Education is all about.
• Limited promotional materials on the day of the protest/program such as posters/fliers and banners.
• Getting people interested or taking people from their basic schedule to attend the protest/program was a serious challenge.
• Funds were not sufficient on the part of YOCADS, who was the main organizer of the event, for print materials, logistical arrangement and other things that were cardinal to holding a successful protest/program.
• High cost of internet service to participate in the online chart conferences and sending basic information.

RECOMMENDATION

Based upon local challenges we wish to make the following recommendation for next year event.

• That publicity and awareness on the day be made well in advance of the event date by holding radio talkshow and other promotional materials thus motivating others to join the campaign.
• That more Universities and High schools be reached and incorporated for 2009 event.
• Since indeed we experienced some logistical problems, we want to recommend at least a used laptop to enhance our program/activities for the Liberia YOCADS/Chapter.