Buchanan – The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) on Wednesday, September 4, turned over to the administration of the Grand Bassa Community College a newly constructed and furnished annex of the college.
The newly facility consists of two science laboratories, four offices, a library, bath rooms and basic laboratory equipment.
Madam Rasheena Reid, Education Office Director at USAID, told FrontPageAfrica that the construction of the annex was a part of USAID’s Sustainable High Impact Infrastructure for Education and Agriculture (SHINE) program.
She said that the SHINE program is providing support to the agriculture, higher education, governance and natural resource management sectors of Liberia.
“Today, we are proud to gather here to cut the ribbon marking the symbolic completion of this College’s Annex in Grand Bassa County. Without adequate access to infrastructure in rural areas, rural communities face far greater obstacles in obtaining proper health, education, and other social services,” she said.
“This newly constructed annex which consists of science laboratories, classrooms, offices and library, will enhance the quality of education services delivered by the College and to the people of the Grand Bassa County.”
Graduates of the GBCC are expected to be better prepared to work in the country, she said.
Dr. Samuel Monwell, President of GBCC, stressed that the Science laboratory building will improve the college’s Science programs.
“Before the construction of the building, USAID unconditionally promised the GBCC administration that USAID will provide all needed reagents, chemicals, equipment, glassware and apparatus something they did that really made me happy,” he said.
“GBCC Administration, through her Faculty Department, is responsible for the maintenance and sustenance of the physical building. GBCC has electricians, masoners, carpenters who will be there in case of any damage or problem on the structure”.
Dr. Monwell extended thanks and appreciation to USAID and the Liberian Government “for thinking about our children”.
Mr. Kevin Baduah, Acting Chief of Party JLNB360, said Lofa and Nimba Counties have also benefited from similar project at their respective colleges.
“Besides the buildings constructed in Lofa, Nimba and Bassa, a new multi -purpose class room building for the Liberia Institute of Public Administration (LIPA) was constructed,” Mr. Baduah said.