Special Education: Women Recruits for Police Launched

The Vice-President of Liberia, Mr. Joseph Boakai has launched a pioneering Education Support Programme for female potential recruits of the Liberia National Police (LNP) at the Education Ministry in Monrovia. The accelerated programme aims to bring the educational level of interested women up to the high school graduation level so that they can qualify for LNP recruitment. The Vice-President commended the LNP, the UN Police and the Ministries of Education, Justice and Gender & Development for coming together to plan and implement the programme. “Enduring peace cannot be guaranteed unless women play a greater role in the peace process and reconstruction of Liberia.” The Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Alan Doss, said the launch of this programme demonstrates the collective determination of the government and the United Nations to come up with creative solutions to overcome some of the challenges faced by Liberian women. “This is an opportunity to not only enhance your education, but, if you successfully pass the test, you can join the LNP and help make a difference to your country, especially the women of this country,” he said, as he urged all young women who are interested in joining the police to apply for the programme. Mr. Doss added that the programme was initiated to meet the target of 20 per cent female representation in the Liberia National Police. “This is not about lowering standards but about helping women raise their standards of education so that they can join the LNP,” he stated. “We must bear in mind that women suffered disproportionately during the years of conflict. This programme is one way to right the balance.” He further expressed the hope that having a good number of women police officers could actually improve the performance of the police force. “Many years of research have shown that women police officers are better at handling conflict, adjudicating disputes and ensuring that both women and men are better protected.” The Minister of Education, Dr. Joseph Korto said he hopes the special education programme will help women take their rightful place alongside their male counterparts: “Liberia is on the course of fundamental reform that is necessary to make a nation of social justice and equality. If gender equality is to have true meaning, then we need to build the capacity of women to take on more responsibilities.”Welcoming the young Liberian women who had lined up to join the programme, the Inspector-General of the LNP, Mrs. Beatrice Munah Sieh urged them to take advantage of this unique opportunity to enhance their education and join the LNP. During the first phase, 150 potential LNP candidates will be able to sit for an aptitude test and if successful, undergo three months of intensive tutorials at the Stella Maris Polytechnic in Monrovia. The syllabus will be set by the Ministry of Education and the West Africa Examinations Council (WAEC). At the end of the three months, the Council will administer a special examination, which may qualify the applicants for LNP recruitment if they meet the necessary educational standard.