12/07/2026
Hon. Clarence H Cole Calls for Greater Investment in Early Childhood Education
By Staff Writer
Monrovia, Liberia – July 12, 2026
Former Representative Candidate for District #17, Hon. Clarence H. Cole, has called on parents, educators, policymakers, and communities across Liberia to place greater emphasis on early childhood education, describing it as the foundation upon which the nation's future leaders are built.
Hon. Cole made the remarks when he served as Guest Speaker at the graduation ceremony of Expert Academy, where he congratulated the graduates and commended the school's administration and teachers for their commitment to nurturing young minds.
Addressing graduates, parents, and guests, Hon. Cole reminded the audience that every accomplished individual once began as a child learning the basics of education.
"Every successful person was once a child sitting in a classroom just like these beautiful graduates before us," he said. "The Presidents, Ministers, lawyers, judges, doctors, engineers, teachers, and business owners we admire today all started by learning their ABCs and counting 1, 2, 3. Those small beginnings should never be underestimated because they are the foundation of greatness."
Using his own childhood as an example, Hon. Cole shared a lesson from his father that continues to guide his appreciation for education.
"My father always told me that education is something nobody can steal from you. As a child, I did not fully understand those words, but today I know they are true. Money can disappear, properties can be destroyed, and positions can change, but knowledge remains with you forever."
He described education as one of the most valuable investments parents can make, encouraging families to continue supporting their children's academic journey beyond graduation.
"This is not the time for parents to relax," he emphasized. "It is the time to invest even more, to encourage excellence, and to provide children with every opportunity to dream bigger and achieve more."
Hon. Cole also paid glowing tribute to teachers, recognizing their daily sacrifices and the significant role they play in shaping the country's future.
He thanked teachers for their patience, dedication, and compassion, noting that their responsibilities extend far beyond classroom instruction.
"Teachers do much more than teach lessons," he said. "They answer countless questions, comfort children when they cry, tie shoelaces, teach respect, kindness, sharing, and help children discover their dreams. They are shaping Liberia's future one child at a time."
According to him, the future of Liberia is already visible in today's classrooms.
"If Liberia is to become better tomorrow, then the future is sitting before us today. The future is not coming—it is already here in these children. Our collective responsibility is to continue building strong educational foundations that will produce responsible citizens and future leaders."
He concluded by congratulating the graduates on reaching an important milestone and thanked the administration of Expert Academy for the opportunity to address the graduating class.
Hon. Cole's message resonated strongly with parents and educators in attendance, reinforcing the importance of sustained investment in quality education and the shared responsibility of preparing Liberia's next generation for leadership and national development.
Using the occasion as a call to action, he urged all stakeholders to continue supporting educational institutions and creating an environment where every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and realize their full potential.
As the ceremony came to a close, graduates celebrated their achievements with renewed inspiration, carrying forward a message that their journey toward becoming Liberia's future leaders has only just begun.
