Liberia Government (Monrovia)

Liberia: More Educational Opportunities for Youth As President Sirleaf Tours Facilities

14 January 2009

President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has inspected a project site on the Robertsfield highway where construction for a school, primarily for orphans, is well underway. The ABC Children's Aid-Liberia International is implementing the project, which is being supported by funding provided by the Governments of Iceland and Faroe Islands, situated Northwest of Scotland and halfway between Iceland and Norway.

The President, an Executive Mansion release says, praised the Governments of Iceland and Faroe Island for the interest in the educational development of Liberian youth and expressed satisfaction over the pace of the project. President Johnson Sirleaf also commended the Christian group, ABC Children's Aid-Liberia, and its Executive Director Rev. Matthew Sakeuh, for the hard work and assured the group of government's support toward the successful implementation of the project.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Faroe Island, Mr. Jorgen Niclasen, thanked the Liberian leader for touring the facilities and added that the President's visit was a true testimony of her commitment to education. Mr. Niclasen praised residents of the area for the welcome and Ministry of education authorities for supporting their work in the country.

The first phase of the project, which involves the construction of an academic building, is expected to be completed in September this year, in time for the resumption of the next academic year. When completed, the building will consist of 8 classrooms, with each classroom accommodating 35-students. The school, a private institution, will run morning and afternoon sections and will cater to grade levels from kindergarten to grade 6. The facilities will also consist of a vocational training center. A 36-bedroom girls' dormitory and a medical center are currently nearing completion.

A grant for US $230-thousand was provided through its Foreign Ministry, by the government of Faroe Island, while Iceland provided a grant for US $146-thousand for the construction of the girls' dormitory.

In a separate development, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has expressed her appreciation to the finalists of this year's National County Sports Meet for the successful end of the tournament. The President made the commendation Wednesday, when she met with players of Bomi and River Gee Counties at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Chief Patron of Sports praised the victorious Bomi players and the losing finalists of River Gee for exhibiting discipline on the field of play. The President assured the players of her support in assisting them return to their respective counties.