MONROVIA – Monique Simpson Foray, the new Principal of the Haywood Mission Institute, located on the Old Road in Sinkor, Monrovia, said that when she took over the institute, she implemented a school management system to help track attendance, grades and finances, giving them a clear picture of their school’s status.
By Augustus D.R Bortue
Commenting on rolling out the school management system, Principal Foray stated that she spent most of her time really observing and learning from the staff, her parents and trying to understood the community.
She recognized that Haywood is a grassroots school that provides opportunities to children who would not otherwise have them because of
their socioeconomic situation. Twenty percent of Haywood students receive full scholarships. Another 15% receive partial scholarships.
Speaking in an interview with the FrontPage Africa(FPA) over the weekend, Foray disclosed that one of the things that became very important to her was introducing technology at Haywood.
“A lot of the technological advances need Wi-Fi, so our first step was to add Wi-Fi to the building and encourage the teachers to use protectors and Technology in the classroom. That was the first change that started to move us forward. And my plan was to have the computer lab open for 2026-2027, with 25 terminals and 25 laptops, and I’m so happy to say that it is complete. The students will have access to technology from kindergarten to 12th grade, with learning centers, learning games, and hands-on practice,” she said.
‘‘You know, because it’s really vital to their success. I was telling the parents and the teachers that students need to learn computer hygiene. They need to learn how to use technology properly. We see kids constantly on their devices. We can’t get away from technology,” she intimated.
The Haywood Principal averred that her administration introduced technology to streamline processes and enhance learning, calling the computer initiative her major achievement since taking over on September 1, 2025.
Foray assumed the role after her father, Bishop Dr. Leo M. Simpson, a veteran educator, retired after 47 years of service at the institution.
Haywood is one of Liberia’s oldest and most respected Christian grade school institutions. Since its founding in 1931, Haywood has been recognized for discipline, academic excellence, character development, Christian values and leadership training.
According to Principal Foray, a State-of-the-Art Computer Lab has been added to make learning more comfortable and fun for students at the institute.
Foray disclosed that technology improves education by providing interactive, fast and personalized learning experiences through digital tools and internet-based resources.
“A computer-based education system consists of hardware, software, network infrastructure, and digital content working together to deliver learning,” she stated.
She further disclosed that students from kindergarten through grade twelve are learning computer skills so they develop good computer hygiene and are competent after graduating to fit into a technological world.
Speaking to the importance of learning computers, the Liberian educator mentioned that computers have transformed the way knowledge is delivered, accessed and managed in modern classrooms.
“Using computers in education refers to the integration of computer technology into teaching, learning, research and administrative processes. From interactive lessons and online learning platforms to digital libraries and student record management, computers have become an essential part of the education system,” she intoned.
She noted that in computer science, this topic highlights how hardware, software, and internet technologies work together to improve educational outcomes and make learning more efficient, engaging and accessible.
Foray also encouraged the teachers to use projectors and technology in the classroom.
She pointed out that her expectation of her teachers is for them to think critically every day, not just to give them facts on the board, tell them to memorize and give them a test, stressing that “critical thinking and the ability to analyze set a learner up for success.”
Students are expected not only to learn in the computer lab but also in the science lab, where they can apply what they’re learning in the classroom through more practical applications.
“We just hired a new computer lab technician as well as a science lab technician who has a degree in laboratory science and will be working with students in chemistry, physics and biology.”
“Adding technology to Haywood, starting with the internet, the school management system, and technology in teaching and now the computer lab, shows my commitment to bringing marginalized children into the 21st century so they can compete with their peers in the workforce,” Principal Foray intimated.
She thanked her partners and donors in missions, alumni and PAW International Missions Department for their donations that made the project possible.
Asked how the students are embracing the idea of computer learning, she stated that the students and parents are happy with the initiative and have encouraged the institute to enhance learning, as it will improve their child’s educational outcomes.
At the same time, the Principal of the school told the FPA that the administration has improved the teachers’ salaries and benefits, which was also one of her strategic goals at the beginning of her leadership term.
“The staff’s well-being is also paramount,” she explained. “A living wage improves the morale and dedication of our staff. Our teachers have proven they want what is best for Haywood students, so my administration deemed it necessary to improve salaries and benefits to encourage excellence and integrity in the workplace,” Principal Foray concluded.
She praised the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Labour, her parents and the Haywood Mission Institute teachers for their cordial working relationship, saying it is enhancing the smooth transition in the institute’s operations.
Meanwhile, Principal Foray added that the Haywood Mission Institution remains committed to its grassroots demographic and its mission to develop disciplined leaders and transform lives through quality education grounded in faith and strong moral principles.
