Monrovia – Obaa’s Girls Educational Outreach, a private nonprofit institution founded by celebrated Liberian singer and social activist Miatta Fahnbulleh, was destroyed by fire on Friday, December 5, 2025. The blaze erupted at the institution’s Ashmun Street premises in central Monrovia.
By J.H. Webster Clayeh — [email protected]
According to eyewitnesses, the fire started in the evening and rapidly consumed the structure. The building, largely constructed of planks and wooden floors, housed both Obaa’s Girls Educational Outreach and a printing press.
While the exact cause of the fire remains unclear, several residents told FrontPage Africa they first saw heavy smoke coming from the portion of the building used by the school.
Eyewitness Wilmot Smith described the scene:
“We don’t know where the fire came from. Suddenly, we saw huge smoke coming from the building and became concerned. When we looked again, we saw the fire blazing. We immediately started fighting the fire before the Fire Service arrived.”
Smith said the community battled the flames for hours:
“We have been working since 3 p.m. This fire has been blazing and has not gone off. We are still trying to put it out because this is one of our historical printing presses. We feel very bad because the building is burning. This building hosts a school and a printing press.”
The Liberia Fire Service arrived later, after the blaze overwhelmed community efforts. Personnel on the scene, however, declined to comment on the incident.
About Obaa’s Girls School
Obaa’s Girls School is an educational initiative providing free or scholarship-based learning opportunities for underprivileged girls. Students of the institution are often recognized by their distinctive tie-dyed purple skirts.
The school primarily serves girls whose education has been disrupted by economic challenges, conflict, or other social hardships. Its programs aim to reintegrate them into the classroom and support them through the completion of their schooling.
Founder and Mission
Founded in 2005 by Miatta Fahnbulleh, a renowned Liberian vocalist and long-time advocate for women’s and children’s rights, Obaa’s Girls Educational Outreach seeks to empower disadvantaged girls through free education, scholarships, textbooks, uniforms, and other essential learning materials.
Over the years, the institution has provided numerous scholarships and prizes. A 2007 report noted that at least 38 students had benefited from the program.
Community leaders fear that the damage could disrupt the school’s operations and jeopardize the learning process for its beneficiaries. They are calling for swift intervention to restore the school and rehabilitate the facility.
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