@article{education20251331,
author={Kennedy, Gabriel M.},
title={Digital Inclusion in Liberia¡¯s Education Sector: Review of Barriers, Policy Gaps, and Strategic Interventions},
journal={American Journal of Educational Research},
volume={13},
number={3},
pages={102--110},
year={2025},
url={https://pubs.sciepub.com/education/13/3/1},
issn={2327-6150},
abstract={The digital divide remains a significant barrier to equitable education in Liberia, disproportionately impacting students in rural and low-income areas. A comprehensive narrative review was conducted to examine the infrastructural, socio-economic, and policy-related obstacles to digital inclusion in Liberia¡¯s education sector. Furthermore, existing interventions, including the Liberia ICT Policy (2019¨C2024), the Liberia National Development Plan (2025¨C2029), and various government and private-sector initiatives were also critically examined. The review identified significant barriers to digital inclusion in Liberia¡¯s education sector. Key challenges include insufficient funding, lack of sustainability, and weak coordination, worsened by the absence of a national ICT-in-education strategy. Inadequate broadband infrastructure, high internet and device costs, unreliable electricity, and low digital literacy among educators and students further hinder access. Socio-cultural factors, including gender disparities and inadequate teacher training, also contribute to digital exclusion. This study contributes to the body of knowledge by adopting a holistic approach that integrates socio-economic and cultural dimensions, offering a more comprehensive analysis of digital inequalities in Liberia¡¯s education sector. Addressing these systemic barriers requires a multi-faceted strategy emphasizing infrastructure expansion, affordable internet access, teacher training, and gender-sensitive digital policies. Strengthening public-private partnerships and developing and implementing a national ICT-in-education framework are crucial for fostering digital literacy, enhancing learning outcomes, and promoting socio-economic mobility. By prioritizing these efforts, Liberia can narrow the digital divide and ensure that all students, regardless of their geographic or economic background, have access to quality digital education.},
doi={10.12691/education-13-3-1}
publisher={Science and Education Publishing}
}