By: James Myking Suah
Grand Kru County – As part of ongoing efforts to address the lack of seating in public schools across rural Liberia, a U.S.-based organization under the banner Grand Kru County Development Association in the Americas has donated more than 45 armchairs to the Jlatekpoh and Togbaklee Community Schools in Picnicess, Klipo-Gbetao Administrative District.
According to our correspondent, the donation was prompted by the longstanding issue of inadequate seating for students, despite previous efforts by the two school administrations and their Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) to address the problem.
Each school received 25 armchairs, aimed at creating a more conducive learning environment and supporting the Ministry of Education’s efforts to improve education in Grand Kru County.
While presenting the donation at Togbaklee Elementary School, Kumeh Sedee, speaking on behalf of the Association, said the chairs are meant to enhance classroom comfort for school-going children.
Mr. Sedee cautioned school administrators to ensure the chairs are properly used to promote academic excellence and student comfort.
He emphasized that the donation will allow students to sit properly and receive quality education, eliminating the need for them to sit on the floor or bring chairs from home.
Mr. Sedee clarified that the donation carries no political motive, but rather stems from the goodwill of Grand Kru citizens residing in the United States.
In a separate interview on June 30, Mr. Sedee explained that the initiative began in 2017 and has previously benefited three high schools—Barclayville Central High, Sasstown High, and P.G. Wolloh High—with a total of 50 chairs donated. The broader goal of the project is to support the national government’s “One Child, One Chair” initiative.
He further revealed that the total cost of the project exceeded $1,100 USD for the procurement of the 50 chairs.
In addition to the chair donation, Mr. Sedee disclosed that the Association also plans to construct modern latrine facilities to improve sanitation at the community level.
Receiving the donation, the Principal of Jlatekpoh Elementary School expressed heartfelt thanks to the diaspora community, calling the donation a timely and important step in solving the school’s seating shortage.
Mr. Moses Kun Doe, Principal of Togbaklee Elementary School, also extended his gratitude and assured that the chairs would be used responsibly.
In a related statement, Mr. Doe noted that the donation directly addressed the school’s lack of seating. He also revealed that the existing school building, originally constructed by community members, is in poor condition. As a result, residents have begun constructing a modern facility for the school.
He appealed to the Ministry of Education, through the County School System, to support the ongoing construction efforts and help ensure a better learning environment for the children of Picnicess.
