Dedication Of Liberian Learning Centre Marks A Milestone In Educational Transformation

Hamilton, ON — The people of Liberia are celebrating a significant milestone in their journey towards educational revitalization as the Liberian Learning Centre is set to be officially dedicated on February 23, 2024, in Paynesville, Liberia.

This complex, eventually consisting of three facilities, is designed to reshape the educational landscape of the region and provide access to diverse learning resources for over 250,000 community members. Liberia, with its rich history and symbolic name, has faced the challenges of a devastating civil conflict, leaving scars and destruction that persist even today.

The Liberian Learning Centre is a response to these challenges, aiming to equip the youth and citizens with the tools and resources required to build a better future. The project addresses the nation’s low literacy rates, damaged schools, and high unemployment by providing comprehensive learning spaces, recreation facilities, and a modern conference center.

The Liberian Learning Center is led by Canadian charity Empowerment Squared, founded by Executive Director Leo Nupolu Johnson. Born in Liberia, Leo lived through almost a decade of civil war before fleeing the country and spending 8 years living in refugee camps in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana prior to resettling in Canada in 2006. “The Liberian Learning Centre is more than a building; it’s a pathway to a prosperous future through education. We thank our partners and look forward to celebrating this transformative moment with the people of Liberia on February 23.” – Leo Nupolu Johnson expresses his enthusiasm.

The center is being built in multiple phases on the site of Paynesville City Hall and will include Liberia’s first postwar comprehensive learning center and library, co-working and business incubation spaces, sports and recreation facilities, and event facilities. Phase 1 will host a wide range of programs, including information literacy, educational programming, computer training, life skills, personal and career path development, and peer-to-peer mentorship.

Hamilton-based architects McCallum Sather have been leading the design process since its inception over a decade ago. The team, led by Principal Architect Willems Ransom, has taken a thoughtful and contextual approach to designing all elements of the center. “We have a commitment to environmental consciousness, ensuring the Liberian Learning Centre becomes a sustainable and vibrant hub for generations to come. The visionary leadership of Leo Nupolu Johnson and the collaboration between all partners have laid the foundation for this transformative initiative. “- Willems Ransom, Principal Architect at McCallumSather.

Tri Buchanan Development Corporation, led by Partner and Managing Director Bleejay Innis, a Liberian native with international expertise, is overseeing the construction. The dedication ceremony on February 23 will symbolize the beginning of a new era for education in Liberia. Mayor Pam Belcher-Taylor, Bleejay Innis, Leo Nupolu Johnson, Willems Ransom will be present to mark this historic occasion, with other representatives from Empowerment Squared.

Generous financial contributions of donors have funded most of Phase 1 construction costs.

Phase 2, the envisioned safe and well-equipped indoor recreation facility, requires continued support to become a reality. As of October 2023, $1.5M CAD is needed to complete all three Phases of the Liberian Learning Center, as well as to fund the initial programming activities of Phase 1. Learn more and donate at: www.liberianlearningcenter.com.

The Liberian Learning Centre is a collaborative project .in partnership with Rotary International, Rotary Club of Hamilton, Rotary Club of Monrovia, Paynesville City Corporation, McCallumSather, Hamilton Public Library, and Tri Buchanan Development Corp. About Empowerment Squared Empowerment Squared is a registered Canadian charitable organization committed to empowering newcomer, racialized, and marginalized youth, and families. Founded by Leo Nupolu Johnson, the organization focuses on providing tools and skills for individuals to reach their full potential and thrive in society.

About McCallumSather at McCallumSather, our purpose is clear – the design of a more resilient world through the advancement of sustainable design intelligence. As an integrated team of architects, mechanical engineers, and interior designers, we embrace an inclusive approach to design that encourages curiosity and invention. As a result, each project reflects our commitment to design excellence and sustainable design solutions, coupled with a relentless focus on our client’s goals. Led by this spirit of innovation, we continuously strive to communicate better, design more efficiently and deliver improved experiences. Our portfolio includes an exciting mix of award-winning work from heritage to new construction, small community initiatives to multi-million-dollar, one-of-a-kind projects.