At just 23 years old, Precious Joy Teeweh is making a lasting impact on Liberia’s education sector, one preschooler at a time. A passionate early childhood educator and author, Teeweh is leading a quiet revolution aimed at strengthening the foundations of learning for Liberia’s youngest minds.

Her journey began in 2007, in a modest classroom at the Well Hairston Institute in Chicken Soup Factory, Gardnersville, where she began teaching at the age of 18. Faced with discrimination due to her age, appearance, and financial background, she pushed forward with resilience and an unwavering belief in the power of education.

“I was often overlooked because of my age and background,” she recalls. “But that never stopped me from being committed and professional in my work.”

Laying a Strong Foundation for Liberia’s Future

Inspired by her Kindergarten teacher, Teeweh made it her mission to specialize in early childhood education, believing that a strong foundation is key to national transformation.

“When a child’s foundation is strong, everything that follows becomes better. That’s why I’ve devoted my energy to early education,” she explained.

To support this mission, Teeweh authored two curriculum-aligned workbooks for preschoolers—Reading Readiness and Math Readiness—designed to introduce foundational literacy and numeracy skills in a fun and accessible way.

• The Reading Readiness Book helps children learn letter names and sounds, identify colors, and develop fine motor skills through tracing and coloring activities.

• The Math Readiness Book introduces early math concepts, including number recognition and counting, while integrating elements of science and social studies—all aligned with Liberia’s National Play-Based Early Childhood Curriculum approved by the Ministry of Education.

Her books are already being used in classrooms to address a long-standing challenge: the lack of suitable teaching and learning materials for early childhood education.

“These books are helping reduce the burden on teachers and parents who struggle to find appropriate resources for first-time learners,” she said.

Overcoming the Odds

Despite her achievements, Teeweh faces significant challenges. Her modest salary as a teacher barely covers basic living expenses. To stay afloat, she works additional jobs as a home tutor and a weekend domestic helper, supporting herself, her family, and her growing education initiative.

But her determination has not gone unnoticed.

A Nationally Recognized Changemaker

In 2022, Precious Teeweh received the Presidential National Best Teacher Award, an honor that catapulted her to national recognition. The Government of Liberia awarded her 1,000,000 Liberian Dollars (approx. $5,300 USD) in support of her work.

She used the funds to print more copies of her educational workbooks for schools and parents interested in her materials. The Ministry of Education also contributed $1,600 USD to support the printing of 110 sets of her books for public early childhood centers across Liberia.

Looking Ahead

Teeweh’s vision is clear: to help reshape Liberia’s education system from the ground up by giving children a strong start and ensuring teachers have the tools they need to succeed.

Her story is one of resilience, innovation, and an unrelenting commitment to nation-building through education.

“I believe early education is the key to Liberia’s future,” she says. “And I’ll keep doing my part to make sure every child has the chance to learn, grow, and thrive.”

Contact Information:
For partnership or book inquiries, Precious Joy Teeweh can be reached through the Ministry of Education or directly through her school network.