By Gnnliberia
By James Myking Suah
Kilpo-Gbetao Administrative District, Grand Kru County 鈥 In a significant effort to address the chronic lack of seating in rural Liberian public schools, the Grand Kru County Development Association (GCDA) in the Americas, a U.S.-based organization, has donated over 45 armchairs to the Jlatekpoh and Togbaklee Community Schools in Pinicess, Kilpo-Gbetao Administrative District.
The association鈥檚 generous donation comes in response to the prolonged inadequate student seating capacity, a challenge the two school administrations and their Parent Teacher Associations have been striving to overcome.
Making the donation at Togbaklee Elementary School on behalf of the GCDA, Kumeh Sedee stated that the armchairs are intended to significantly improve classroom comfort for students. He urged school administrators to ensure the chairs are used to promote academic excellence and student well-being.
This recent contribution is expected to allow students to sit properly and receive a quality education, eliminating the need for them to sit on cold floors or bring chairs from home daily. Mr. Sedee clarified that the donations were not politically motivated, but rather a collective effort from Grand Kru citizens residing in the United States.
In a separate interview on June 30, Mr. Sedee explained that this initiative began in 2017 and has already benefited three high schools: Barclayville Central High, Sasstown High, and P.G. Wolloh High School, with a total of 50 armchairs previously distributed. He noted that the project aligns with the national government鈥檚 鈥淥ne Child, One Chair Project.鈥
Sedee further indicated that the current project, which secured the 45 armchairs, cost the Association more than $1,100. Additionally, he revealed that the organization plans to construct modern latrine facilities in the future, aiming to improve community-level sanitation
Receiving the donation, the Principal of Jlatekpoh Elementary School extended heartfelt thanks to the diaspora community for their timely support, describing the gesture as a positive step towards resolving the school鈥檚 seating challenges.
Similarly, Mr. Moses Kun Doe, Principal of Togbaklee Elementary School, commended the Association and assured that the armchairs would be properly utilized by students. Mr. Doe acknowledged that the contribution directly addresses the issue of insufficient seating at the school. He also highlighted the poor condition of the existing school building鈥攐riginally constructed by community members鈥攁nd disclosed that residents have already begun work on a modern facility for the school.
Mr. Doe appealed to the Ministry of Education, through the County School System, to support the ongoing construction effort and ensure a better learning environment for the children of Pinicess.