LIBERIA: Government’s Free Education Program Gets Boost
..As Lutheran Development Service Turns Over School in Bong County – As part of efforts to enhance the Free and Compulsory Primary Education Program of the Liberian Government, the Lutheran Development Service in Liberia (LDS), has constructed and turned over a new school to be used as a Tuition-Free Institution.
View of one of the classes
The new Gahn Public School in Sanoyea, Bong County will provide free primary education to hundreds of school-going age children who have been denied such opportunity in their local Communities.
The Children will no longer have to walk long distances for about 2-3 hours in search of education, something that have compared parents to make their children actively participate in farming activities, with the production of a local alcoholic beverage known as “king juice” being the most popular farming and economic activities of the local inhabitants.
LDS Boss and staff receive commendations with smiles
Seven Communities, including Gahn, Yantalala, Jernah-Ta, Fellen-Ta, Gboni-Ta, George-Ta, and Bental-Ta are to benefit from the newly constructed School by the LDS with funding from the Evangelischer Entwicklundiest (Church Aid Program) based in Germany.
At a very colorful program on Thursday, December 16, 2010 which was marked by the presentation of cola nuts and a white chicken from the locals to authorities of the Lutheran Development Service (LDS) and the Lutheran church of Liberia as part of traditions to welcome and appreciate them for the new school, the citizens could not stop praising the LDS
Speaking to the press at the close of the School dedicatory program, LDS Executive Director, Mr. Joseph S. Binda said his Entity remains committed to improving the general welfare of Liberians, especially rural dwellers and will continue to work and support efforts of the Liberian Government and International partners to meet the needs of the people.
LDS Boss and staff receive cola nuts and chicken
Mr. Bind said as part of partnership between Government and the Lutheran Church of Liberia, the LDS is supporting the Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS) implemented by Government.
Giving an overview of how the construction of the school came about, the LDS Executive Director said it followed an appeal from the citizens and residents for a school after training activities to animate community members that they have to take steps to improve their own welfare.
He said, after series of assessments by the LDS and its International partners it was agreed to construct the school, with a Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) for the residents to contribute local materials, including sand, logs, and labor.
Mr. Binda said the LDS has completed four Projects which include the renovation of a damaged school in Gbarnsue Sulonma in Zota District, Bong County in 2005, followed by the construction of a modern School in James Tobga-Ta also in Zota District and turned it over to Government early 2010, followed by similar School in Dorzenelor, Lofa County by the middle of 2010, and the 4th one in Gahn, Sanoyea District at the close of 2010.
school bill board
He said the LDS will now change shape in its activities and focus on empowerment to enable local dwellers to transform their own living conditions through capacity building programs.
Mr. Binda urged the residents, especially parents to fully utilize the new school by sending their children to School and fully support them in their educational pursuit so as to make the children productive future leaders.
Meanwhile, the local County authorities have welcomed the gesture of the LDS, as the best Christmas Gift the people of Sanoyea have received, and promised to ensure that parents send their to school.
Sanoyea District Commissioner, Cantos K. Bornor and the General Town Chief, T. Lawrence Juah promised to penalize parents who would refuse to utilize the opportunity to educate their children as part of efforts to secure a brighter future.
The citizens are at the same time challenging other individuals and organizations to follow the good and productive example of the Lutheran Development Service in Liberia in transforming the lives of the people, especially rural dwellers – By: Augustine N. Myers
View of the building
Children assemble for the program
