BONG COUNTY — In a bid to improve Liberia’s educational system, the Irene Christina Reinking Foundation (ICRF), a U.S.-based nonprofit organization, has commenced the construction of a $54,250 library project at Gbaowuta Public School in Panta District #4, Bong County.
The ICRF, established to support Liberia’s efforts in enhancing education, health, and agriculture, aims to provide much-needed resources to underserved communities. According to Quenifamou Barwor Jarwoe, ICRF Field Officer and Project Director for Liberia, the library project is designed to equip both teachers and students with essential educational materials.
Mr. Jarwoe explained that the initiative seeks to improve the learning environment at Gbaowuta Public School, located near the Liberia-Guinea border. In addition to constructing the library, the foundation has already renovated the school, addressing its previously dire conditions.
“The intervention included repairing the main school building, providing armchairs and chalkboards, tiling classrooms, and installing electrical wiring,” Mr. Jarwoe said. He also highlighted that the school received instructional materials, notebooks for students, and seven desktop computers for a newly established computer lab.
The comprehensive renovations and ongoing library construction aim to create a more conducive space for teaching and learning. Mr. Jarwoe lamented the poor state of the school before the foundation’s intervention, describing it as far from a suitable environment for education.
Thanks to the ICRF, spearheaded by its founder, Harrison Kpartipa, critical repairs were made, including fixing the damaged roof, ceilings, chalkboards, and armchairs. Mr. Jarwoe noted that these efforts align with the foundation’s commitment to supporting the government’s efforts to enhance the quality of education in Liberia.
Akernuyea B. Suah, Principal of Gbaowuta Public School, expressed profound gratitude to the ICRF and Mr. Kpartipa for their timely intervention. He stressed that without the foundation’s support, the children in the community would have been denied access to education.
Mr. Suah also criticized the Ministry of Education and the Liberian government for neglecting the school, which had been in a deplorable state for years. With classes ranging from pre-primary to grade six and a current enrollment of 195 students, the school was on the brink of closure before ICRF stepped in.
Founded on March 6, 1992, Gbaowuta Public School was established to address the educational needs of children in the area. However, the institution had long struggled with poor infrastructure due to a lack of government support.
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