School Says It Needs L$1 Million to Keep 150 Children in Free Classes and Meals

Published: July 29, 2026

LOWER VIRGINIA, Montserrado County — A community school that has taught more than 150 children free of charge since 2018 says it must raise just over L$1 million to cover teacher pay, operating costs and daily meals for the current academic year, and has opened a public appeal to do it.

Vice Principal for Administration Emmanuel Tamba gave the figure at a fundraiser held by the Arena Recreation Academy School of Excellence in the Tyre-Shop community. The school provides free early childhood and primary classes, learning materials and daily meals to children in Tyre-Shop and nearby areas, and has run on donor support since it opened.

Principal Whinell T. Shasha told donors, development organizations and community leaders that the work cannot continue on determination alone.

“Through God’s grace and the support of caring individuals, we have continued to nurture young minds, build character, and inspire dreams that once seemed impossible,” she said. “Your gift, whether large or small, represents hope for a child who might otherwise be denied the opportunity to learn and succeed.”

The guest speaker, Andrew Dean, a clinical psychologist who chairs the psychology department at the University of Liberia, described conditions in classrooms serving poor communities.

“Some come to school without adequate learning materials. Some share textbooks. Some sit on broken furniture, even on the floor. Despite these challenges, they continue to show up every morning,” Dean said. “Their dreams should not be let down, but let all of us invest in it today.”

“When we educate a child, we do not simply change one life. We change a family. We change and strengthen a community. But most importantly, we transform a nation,” he said.

The school is asking philanthropists, organizations and individuals to contribute.