Liberia Report Highlights School Fees as Barrier to Education

Registration fees and other costs required to attend public schools in Liberia prevent many children from enrolling on time or completing their education, Human Rights Watch said in a report released on 20 May 2026. The 75-page report titled "'Without Education, There Will Be Nothing': School Fees and Other Barriers to Education in Liberia" examined conditions in five counties between November 2025 and January 2026.

Researchers visited 21 schools and interviewed 118 parents, teachers, and administrators, while Liberian child advocates spoke with 61 children and youth.

Roughly one-third of children ages 3 to 17 have never attended school, and half of rural children fall into this category. Only 38 percent of children complete grade 6 and 17 percent finish grade 9. 2 years of education by age 18. Parents and children reported that fees delay enrollment and cause students to be sent home when payments cannot be made.

A 14-year-old boy told researchers he left school to help his mother sell goods in the market because his parents could not afford the costs.

The report also noted overcrowded classrooms, low teacher salaries, and reliance on unpaid volunteer teachers. Classes of 80 to 100 students are common in some schools, and many volunteers have worked without pay for years. 73 percent of GDP, below the 4 percent average for ECOWAS member states and the international benchmark of 4-6 percent of GDP.

5 million in school grants intended to reduce or eliminate fees. Human Rights Watch said full implementation of these grants could lower financial barriers and help more children stay in school.