Monrovia – A young Liberian humanitarian, Fate Bobby Tapson, has officially broken ground for the elevation of the St. Paul Public Elementary and Junior High School to a senior high division, with a call on government and others to invest in the education of young people across the country.
By Obediah Johnson
The school is located in the St. Paul Bridge community in District # 16, Montserrado County. The community has been without a public high school for several decades.
On Thursday, January 15, Tapson broke ground for the construction of an annex at the school to expand access to quality education.
The annex will include six (6) modern classrooms, a library, and a computer laboratory.
Speaking during a brief groundbreaking ceremony held on the school premises, Tapson, who is also a son of the community, disclosed that the gesture is aimed at elevating the institution to a senior high division to expand access to quality education for students in the St. Paul Bridge community and other parts adjacent.
He expressed the hope that the elevation of the MCSS school would turn doubt into confidence, potential into purpose, and dreams into direction.
“Today is more than a start of a project. Today marks the beginning of possibility. Giving back to my people is what matters most to me. If even one life is changed through education, I will be fulfilled. I only need their prayers for me for good health and long life. Seeing my people happy is my greatest reward,” Tapson added.
He disclosed that the project was birthed from a simple, yet powerful belief, that every student deserves to be seen, heard, and empowered to walk in their greatness.
Tapson observed that though Liberian students have been defined by their circumstances, struggles, environment and their past, his gesture to elevate the institute should remind the students that their future is not limited by any of those things as their respective stories are still being written.
“As Nelson Mandela once said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. Today, we are placing that power directly into the hands of our students—by giving them tools, guidance, support, and most importantly, belief.
He emphasized that the project would create a space where students can discover their strengths, believe in themselves before the world does, and know they are not walking this journey alone. He noted that real change begins with courage—the courage to imagine something better, and the courage to act on it.
“Today, this district chooses courage. Today, we choose our students. This program is not just an idea. It is a commitment. A commitment to hope. Education saves lives, transforms communities, and secures the future. When we uplift education, we uplift humanity. A commitment to opportunity and investing in young people—because when we invest in students, we don’t just change individual lives; we shape the future of our entire community,” he added.
He encouraged the students to seize the moment and remember—that one of their own has returned, not just to give back, but to stand in the gap and make an impact in the lives of many young students and in the district and other parts adjacent.
“I come today carrying a clear message of hope. I represent a generation of young people who were denied opportunities, overlooked, and underestimated by society. Yet despite every obstacle, we are still standing, still striving, and still believing.
And today, that belief is being passed on,” he added.
Tapson used the occasion to commend the students for choosing vision and remaining courageous and steadfast towards their studies.
He, however, pledged his unflinching commitment and support to education and community development and initiatives.
In separate remarks, the administration and students of the school, the elders and leadership of the community lauded Mr. Tapson for the gesture.
The Community Chairman, Philipboye Merchant, recounted the numerous constraints parents have faced over the years in sending their children out of the community to acquire secondary education.
He observed that the St. Paul Bridge community has been without a senior high public school for a prolonged period of time, and as such, the completion of the project will help ease the financial burdens students and their respective parents are encountering.
He disclosed plans by elders and leaders of the district to officially recognize and appreciate Mr. Tapson for the impactful contributions he continues to make towards improving lives and supporting education, sports, and others in the district.
