Monrovia: In Liberia, where many children still face serious barriers to education, a Catholic religious sister is working to make schools places of learning, safety, faith and hope. Sister Philomena W. Jappah, a member of the Sisters of the Holy Family, believes education can play an important role in healing communities and building a stronger future for the country.
For Sister Philomena, education is about much more than lessons, examinations and certificates. She sees it as a ministry that can bring faith, healing and hope to children, families and communities. Her daily mission brings together education, religious faith and social development, especially in communities where resources and opportunities are limited.
The Catholic Church has played an important role in education in Liberia for many years, particularly in rural and underserved areas. During periods of conflict, displacement and uncertainty, Catholic schools have provided children with a sense of stability and continuity.
Sister Philomena's own journey into education was influenced by her upbringing in a family of educators as well as her religious vocation. These experiences helped her understand education as both a personal calling and a mission of service.
She joined the Sisters of the Holy Family, a religious congregation whose mission places particular importance on families and the education and formation of children. Inspired by the Holy Family of Nazareth, the congregation seeks to promote Christian family life, defend human dignity and serve vulnerable people.
The sisters carry out their mission through schools, parishes, healthcare services, pastoral work and community programmes. Their work is rooted in prayer and community life, while also responding to the everyday needs of people.
Sister Philomena says the mission of the congregation guides its efforts to develop schools that provide strong academic education while also teaching spiritual and moral values. At the same time, schools must understand and respond to the social challenges facing children and their families.
As Education Secretary for the Diocese of Cape Palmas, Sister Philomena oversees Catholic schools across the diocese. Her responsibilities include supporting school principals and teachers and helping Catholic educational institutions meet both Church and national education standards.
Her work includes visiting and supervising schools, supporting teacher training, improving curriculum delivery and cooperating with Liberia's Ministry of Education and other partners.
Sister Philomena also serves as a National Coordinator and works with diocesan education secretaries from different parts of Liberia. Their aim is to build a shared vision for Catholic education across the country.
The priorities include improving school management, strengthening the quality of teaching, protecting children and ensuring that Catholic education remains available to families who have limited financial resources.
These efforts are taking place in a country where the education sector continues to face major difficulties. The impact of years of civil conflict, economic hardship and limited infrastructure can still be seen in many communities.
Some schools lack adequate classrooms and basic facilities. Others struggle with shortages of trained teachers and teaching materials. In rural areas, including the Diocese of Cape Palmas, these difficulties can be particularly serious.
Despite these conditions, Catholic schools remain important centres of hope and resilience. In some remote communities, they are among the few organised educational institutions available to children.
The Church continues to support school leaders, train teachers and encourage teaching methods that place students at the centre of the learning process. Values based education is also an important part of this approach.
The goal, according to Sister Philomena, is to ensure that good education is not limited to children from wealthy families. Every child should have the opportunity to learn and develop, regardless of family income or place of residence.
Creating safe and inclusive schools is another major part of Sister Philomena's mission. She believes Catholic education must protect the dignity of every person and provide an environment where children can learn without fear.
This requires clear child safeguarding policies and proper formation for teachers in professional and ethical conduct. Sister Philomena also stresses the need to pay special attention to children who are most vulnerable or at risk of being excluded from education.
Her mission does not end at the school gate. Sister Philomena also works with women and girls in parishes and communities, supporting programmes that help families develop sustainable sources of income.
She believes family stability and children's education are closely connected. When parents and caregivers receive support and have a more secure livelihood, children have a better chance of remaining in school. They are also more likely to grow academically, emotionally and personally.
For Sister Philomena, strengthening education is essential for Liberia's future. She believes Catholic schools can make a special contribution by preparing students academically while also helping them develop moral values and a commitment to serving the common good.
Even with limited resources and continuing challenges, she remains hopeful. She draws encouragement from teachers who continue working with dedication despite difficult conditions.
She also sees hope in young people who want to serve their communities and in the Catholic Church's continued commitment to education and evangelisation.
The success of students also provides encouragement. Students of Our Lady of Fatima High School were recognised as winners of a national competition in 2025, showing what young people can achieve when they receive support and opportunities to learn.
Sister Philomena believes progress will depend on cooperation. She places hope in collaboration between the Church and the State, religious and lay people, local communities and international partners.
Through this shared effort, she hopes Catholic education in Liberia will continue to bring light and opportunity to children and families.
The Sisters of the Holy Family continue their mission through education, pastoral care, healthcare and community service. Their work may often take place quietly, but its impact can be seen in classrooms, families and communities.
For Sister Philomena, every child who enters a classroom represents hope for the future. By combining faith, education and compassionate service, she and her fellow sisters are helping young people gain knowledge, develop confidence and believe in the possibility of a better tomorrow for themselves and for Liberia.