Liberia: Annie Doe Memorial Foundation to Unveil Computer Labs, Boost Education in Buchanan

MONROVIA – The Annie T. Doe Memorial Foundation is set to unveil a new computer lab with 15 new computers and other technological equipment for The Annie T. Doe Academy on Monday, February 27th. The academy was established in 2014 to provide education to 75 underprivileged children in the county. Mr. Francis Sio, the Director of Finance and Strategy, announced that the new laboratory will be used to provide free computer literacy programs for high school students in Buchanan.

Moreover, on Wednesday, March 1st, the foundation will launch a new women’s empowerment program which includes Soap & Clorox making, Tye & Dyeing, Interior Decorating & Fashion Ever. The foundation aims to train more than 100 women in Soap & Clorox making, Tye & Dyeing, and Interior Decorating. Mr. Sio expressed his excitement about the expansion and the new direction the academy is taking. The ceremony will end with a sports day where students will participate in various games at the Dorris William Sports Stadium.

On Thursday, March 2nd, the foundation will provide basic healthcare services for more than 500 locals in the Buchanan community. Mr. Sio explained that they will partner with local nurses to conduct free blood pressure and diabetes checkups, disease prevention, and awareness education. The team will also distribute free medications.

On Friday, March 3rd, the foundation’s founders, Francis and Saya Sio, board members Carmen Carter and Kathryn Montgomery, their husbands Lynn Carter and Derrick Montgomery, and sponsor John Alan Goodman will participate in a prayer service with the 540 students at the academy. The students will also receive antimicrobial shoes.

The Annie T. Doe Memorial Foundation is a non-profit organization operating in the USA and Liberia to provide a long-term solution to the educational, women empowerment, and healthcare problems in under-served communities in Liberia. The foundation provides free quality Christian education, women’s empowerment programs, including free six-month sewing training, interest-free 12-month micro-financing loans, free computer literacy training, and basic healthcare services to underprivileged or marginalized communities. The foundation also provides scholarships to graduating high school students in Charlotte, NC.

Since its founding in 2011, the Foundation has continued to expand its work across Liberia and has impacted the lives of over 15,000 individuals through education programs and other services. The Annie T. Doe Memorial Academy provides free Christian-based education to 540 underprivileged children (K1 through 9th grades), women’s empowerment initiatives, and basic healthcare services from various impoverished communities across Liberia.

The foundation aids communities in Sugar Cane Farm, Lower Buchanan, Grand Bassa county, Liberia. In 2012, the Foundation erected a 6000 sq. ft., eight-classroom structure (Elementary School) with modern bathrooms, a mini-library, an office, and opened its doors to the first 75 underprivileged children at no cost. Over the past seven years, the enrollment of students increased by over 500%, and in 2021, with the support of sponsors and partners, the foundation constructed a modern junior high school structure that includes a 600-capacity seated auditorium, a new library, an office space, a computer lab, two modern bathrooms, and three classrooms.

As a fully accredited Junior High School, the foundation provides tuition-free education to 540 underprivileged students in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County. The enriched academic programs (K1 to 9th grades) include fourteen areas of studies, including English, Mathematics, Science, History/Social Studies, Geography, Civics, Literature/Reading, Bible, Vocabulary, Writing, Phonics, Computer, Drawing, and Physical Education.

In addition to its enriched academic programs, the academy offers seven extra Curriculum activities for character development for students in Palava management, Agriculture, Quizzing, Sports, Press Club, and spelling bee.