Fendall — A modern computer laboratory to train teachers studying at the University of Liberia has been dedicated by the Peoples Republic of China and the United Nation Education and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
The Laboratory, which is housed on the UL Fendall campus, is the first phase of a China-UNESCO funded project intended to train teachers across the country.
In addition to the project at the William V. S. Tubman Teachers College at the University of Liberia, similar laboratories were established in Webo, Zorzor, and the Kakata Rural Teacher Training Colleges in Support of teachers’ education.
Making remarks at the dedication, the President of the University of Liberia, Dr. Emmet A. Dennis, said: “the uniqueness of the project is that it is directed toward teacher’s education in Liberia. This means every teacher coming out of college or the University of Liberia will be computer literate.”
Dr Dennis noted that the investment in teachers colleges across the country is a kind of innovation that was good for the people of Liberia.
Also speaking was the Minister of Education, Hon. George Werner, who expressed thanks and acknowledged the effort of the Chinese Government and UNESCO in making the project a reality. He said the Ministry of Education has been working with the Chinese Government on 35 similar bilateral projects, adding that ICT will surely be integrated into the curriculum.
Making remarks, the Chinese Ambassador to Liberia, His Excellency, Zhang Yue congratulated the Ministry of Education for successfully implementing the Project. He observed that both the people and Government of Liberia took education very seriously after the Ebola crisis, stressing that the qualification of teachers is a key to the development of the sector.
Ambassador Yue said the Chinese Government donated US$8 million to UNESCO to enhance teachers’ education in Africa, of which, Liberia benefited US$ 700,000 to establish software and hardware projects, hoping that they will have a long time impact on teachers’ education in Liberia.
He recalled China’s support to Liberia in terms of development projects and scholarships provided Liberians every year to study in China, making specific reference to the Academic Building at Fendall constructed by the Peoples Republic of China at a cost of US$ 23 million, amongst others. This, he said, strongly shows “China’s unrelenting commitment to Liberia.”
Also speaking, the Assistant Director General of UNESCO, Dr. Qian Tang, said the project is intended to bridge the education quality gap in Liberia. He said the project, when properly made use of will impact generations yet unborn. Twenty new computers were set up for use by the students.