Monrovia – As part efforts to provide adequate learning materials, especially at public schools in Liberia, the president of the All-African Students Union (AASU) Varney Jersey has embarked on a donation of learning materials to the Soniwein Community School, a public school situated in one of Monrovia slum communities.
AASU is a continental students governing body. The organization was founded in 1972 to champion the interest of African students.
The gesture, which was donated to the Soinwien Community School forms part of AASU’s outreach program aimed at giving back to the society especially underprivileged.
The items included textbooks, exercise books, duster, and other learning materials valued at over US$1,500 are intended to help support the messy educational system in Liberia.
Speaking at the donation ceremony, AASU president, Varney A. Jarsey expressed gratitude to all school administrators for molding the minds of the future generations of Liberia and Africa at large.
Mr. Jarsey, who was accompanied by Mr. Mohammed Gandhi Kamara, president of the Liberian Students Union (LINSU) and the Executive Director of Books Before Boys, Mr. Mustapha Z. Sherman, as well as other student’s body, told the administrators that schools in Liberia and Africa are much challenged, especially the ones that are in slum communities.
“As we all know that education is one of those vital tools in our society, communities. Our schools are challenged, especially schools in slum communities,” he added.
According to him, being a resident and alumni of the Soniwein School, he thought it wise to give back to his alma mater as a way of appreciation and thanking the teaching staff to make him who he is today.
Mr. Jarsey further said as president of the AASU, he has a duty and responsibility to give back to young people in Africa, mainly students.
The AASU president also called on African leaders to provide more support to public schools because most parents cannot afford to send their children to private institutions of learning.
“What you see here today, might be little but is just something I am starting to encourage other philanthropists or students who walked through the wall of Soniwein Community School to come and give back,” he said while presenting the materials to the school principal.
Mr. Jarsey also acknowledged the efforts of the school principal who is struggling to expand the school but needs more support to make Soniwein School one of the best.
Speaking shortly after the donation, the Principal of the Soniwein Public School, Mr. Ahmed W. Zayzay, thanked the AASU for taking such an initiative to assist them in the country.
He also used the opportunity to appeal to other philanthropists and benevolent organizations to emulate a good example of the students union.
Mr. Zayzay further: “Our school is in dire need of assistance.”