THE STUDENTS ARE NEVER WRONG!

The Federation of Liberian Youth (FLY) expresses deep concern over the ongoing disruption of academic activities within the Monrovia Consolidated School System (MCSS) and the decision of students to stage a peaceful protest in response to the prolonged impasse between the government and the teachers' union.

FLY wishes to clarify that it was a party to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed on March 27, 2025, and remains concerned about its implementation. The commitments made under this agreement must be treated with the seriousness they deserve. Students should not continue to lose valuable instructional time while outstanding issues remain unresolved.

While recognizing the concerns of teachers regarding their welfare, salaries, and other outstanding commitments, FLY believes that urgent action is needed to resolve the impasse. As the institution responsible for policy direction and oversight of the education sector, the Ministry of Education has the lead institutional responsibility to provide clarity on the status of the agreement, address outstanding obligations within its remit, and present a credible, time bound plan for resolving the dispute and restoring normal academic activities.

As a signatory to the MOU, FLY recognizes its own responsibility to support its implementation and facilitate dialogue among the parties. We are actively engaging with the MCSS student leadership, the teachers' union, and the Ministry of Education to help resolve the outstanding issues, restore trust, and ensure that students return to the classroom without further disruption.

FLY believes that constructive engagement, mutual accountability, and a genuine commitment by all parties to honor their obligations are essential to ending this impasse. We also call on the students to exercise their right to peaceful assembly responsibly and prioritize their safety.

While every signatory has a role to play in implementing the agreement, the Ministry's leadership role in the education sector makes its active engagement particularly critical at this moment. Students should not have to take to the streets to demand the education they deserve, and teachers should not be left without clear answers to legitimate concerns arising from an agreement to which relevant stakeholders committed themselves.

FLY remains committed to working with all parties toward an urgent and lasting resolution. We call for immediate, constructive engagement that produces concrete commitments, clear timelines, and the prompt resumption of academic activities.