Three Wee Statutory District schools to benefit in first phase of initiative aimed at expanding digital access to education
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh
BUCHANAN, Grand Bassa County — Former Grand Bassa County Representative Vicent S.T. Willie is set to provide free Starlink internet connectivity to junior and senior high schools in Wee Statutory District, in an initiative aimed at improving access to digital learning and educational resources.
According to a release from Willie’s office, a baseline assessment of schools has been completed, and Starlink internet packages have been procured and are awaiting installation.
The initiative is intended to provide students, teachers and school administrators with improved access to internet services, particularly in communities where connectivity remains limited.
Willie, an academician and university lecturer, underscored the importance of technology in education, stating: “Education is the foundation of development, and technology is the bridge to opportunity.”
The initiative is expected to support teaching, learning, research and school administration through high-speed internet connectivity.
Three Schools to Benefit in First Phase
The first phase of the program is expected to cover three institutions in Wee Statutory District: St. Joseph High School, St. Michael Junior High School and Gorblee Central High School.
The second phase is expected to extend the service to United Liberia Inland School, St. Joseph Experimental School and Gorblee Youth Center.
Willie’s office said the program has a broader vision of reaching additional schools within and outside Wee District, although no timeline was provided for the subsequent phases.
The former lawmaker has called on students, teachers and school administrators to ensure the efficient and effective use of the service once it becomes operational.
Builds on Previous Education Initiatives
The proposed internet project builds on Willie’s previous education-related initiatives, according to his office.
Before entering the Legislature, Willie served as president of the Grand Bassa University Students Union, where his advocacy reportedly contributed to the allocation and disbursement of more than US$100,000 annually to support university students from Grand Bassa County.
His office also cited his sponsorship of a scholarship initiative associated with the late Senator John Whitfield, which provided financial assistance to more than 100 students at the Grand Bassa Community College, now Grand Bassa University.
During his tenure as representative from 2018 to 2023, Willie also established and sponsored an adult literacy program for young people and adults who faced financial and other barriers to formal education.
The program provided basic literacy training and opportunities for participants to resume formal education. Graduates were subsequently given opportunities to continue their studies at Grand Bassa University through Willie’s sponsorship, the release said.
His office further noted that, during his legislative tenure, he facilitated professional training and advanced educational opportunities abroad for young people and legislative staff.
The Starlink initiative is being presented as a continuation of those education-focused efforts, with an emphasis on expanding access to digital resources for students and educators in the district.
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