LOCL NEWS
TUBMANBURG – Bomi County Senator Edwin Melvin Snowe Jr. has increased the number of beneficiaries under his 2026 Back-to-School Initiative from 450 to 500 students, following an overwhelming turnout by students across the county.
By: Gegee Brima – alhajigegeebrima@gmail.com
The decision comes after hundreds of students registered for the initiative, with the highest demand recorded in Tubmanburg, where 780 students reportedly registered for only 150 initially available slots.
In response to the growing demand, Senator Snowe has increased Tubmanburg’s allocation from 150 to 200 students, while raising the overall countywide beneficiary figure to 500.
The initiative is designed to provide financial assistance to students preparing to return to school while engaging them in community service.
Under the program, participating students are expected to spend two hours each day cleaning and preparing their respective school environments. At the conclusion of the exercise, each student will receive LRD 5,000 to assist with school registration fees and other basic back-to-school expenses.
According to Senator Snowe, the overwhelming response highlights both the determination of young people to continue their education and the financial challenges facing many families as the new academic year approaches.
“Last year, we provided this opportunity to 375 students. This year, we initially increased the number to 450 students, but the extraordinary demand has compelled us to go a little further,” Senator Snowe said.
He added that the additional 50 slots bring the total number of students benefiting from the 2026 initiative to 500 across Bomi County. The senator acknowledged that despite the increase, many students who registered will still not be accommodated because of limited resources.
However, he said his office remains committed to supporting students and helping reduce some of the financial barriers that prevent young people from entering or remaining in school.
The 2026 Back-to-School Initiative is also being implemented alongside Senator Snowe’s 100 percent scholarship program, which currently supports 100 students at Western Region University, formerly known as Bomi Community College.
The scholarship beneficiaries are drawn from various electoral districts across Bomi County.
Senator Snowe emphasized that education remains one of the most important investments that can be made in the future of Bomi County, stressing that the initiative is intended not only to provide financial assistance but also to encourage students to contribute to the upkeep of their schools.
“The objective remains simple: give our students an opportunity to contribute to preparing their schools while providing them with some financial assistance to begin the academic year,” he said.
He further described the program as his office’s effort to help students return to school and continue pursuing their educational goals despite the economic difficulties confronting many families.
Senator Snowe concluded by reaffirming his commitment to supporting education and young people across Bomi County.
“500 students. One initiative. One commitment: helping Bomi’s young people get back to school,” he said. He added: “Investing in education is investing in the future of Bomi County.”
