Monrovia – Wells-Hairston High School in Central Monrovia for the first time in its existence has a computer laboratory, thanks to the Loving Arms for Liberia (LAFL), a charity organization based in Detroit, Michigan.
Speaking to FrontPageAfrica at the turning over ceremony of the lab at the school campus recently, the Founder and Executive Director of LAFL, Anthony M. Watson, Jr. stated that the gesture is part of a project intended to help facilitate technology into Liberia’s school system.
He said the laptops, 45 in total, were donated to his organization by DTE, a utility company that he works for in Detroit.
Twenty of the computers were given to the Well-Hairston following minor repairs.
“My goal is to install computers in every school. The average citizen in Liberia cannot afford to go to a school that teaches computer. So, Loving Arms for Liberia is giving those students the opportunity. So, when we got the laptops, I refurbished twenty of them which included the batteries and operating systems and donated to the school,” Mr. Watson explained.
He also revealed that the LAFL is working out a plan with the administration of the school to provide a library – a facility the school does not have currently.
And in addition, the organization is working out a plan to create a resource center in a community at the YMCA.
He explained: “It will be a facility where kids will go to learn and play. It will serve the community as a whole. Our goal is to build this resource center and installed computers just as we did at Wells- Hairston. Loving arm will be giving those students the opportunity to go to Wells Hairston or the resource center where the computers will be installed to learn about computer free of charge because it will be donated by my company, DTE.”
He called on the public and Liberians both at home and abroad to render support to enable the organization reach out to more needy communities and schools across the country.
Wells-Hairston Administration’s Response
Meanwhile, the Principal of Wells Hairston, Michael K. Williams thanked Mr. Watson and his team for providing the school with its first computer lab.
“It was fortunate for me when I visited the United States and met Anthony [Watson]. During our conservation, he asked me what our needs at the school are. I told him we have numerous but we would appreciate if they set up a computer lab for us. They invited me meeting twice and they promised to set up the lab for the school. I am so grateful today the things are here. I want to be thankful to God for them,” Williams explained.
He expressed hope that the plans by LAFL to set a library and laboratory for the school will work out successfully.
“We never had a computer lab. This is the first of its kind and we hope to utilize it in the best interest of our students. We are also hopeful that plans for the laboratory and library will be a success.”
About Loving Arms for Liberia
Loving Arms for Liberia (LAFL) is a nonprofit organization based in Detroit, Michigan, United States. The LAFL has been proudly serving the needs of adults, children, orphan camps, villages and communities throughout Liberia.
In August, the organization held its annual back to school program in Paynesville with more than 20 schools benefitting.
According to LAFL-Liberia Program Officer, John Benjamin Kiadii, several items including back to school packages and computers were gifted to the most excellent students.
The organization also reached out to communities in Bong and Margibi Counties and donated food and non-food items including clothes and school supplies to students and the elderly.
“The reception was a bit tough. It was tense because what we carried was very limited. The reception was so high and people wanted to get a bit of everything. We had to manage the situation by categorizing them. The elderly got food ration and the young people were given back to school packs, while the middle age were given clothes. The expectation has increased so much. So, we expect that our donors will see reason to actually help us to meet a lot of targets next year,” he said.
Meanwhile, the organization has set up a ‘Go Fund Me’ account to raise fund to support its programs on https://www.gofundme.com/loving-arms-for-liberia. It can also be reached via [email protected].