Liberia: KEEP Dedicates US$88K Learning Resource Center in Cestos; Graduates 259 in Tailoring, Computer Skills, Others

MONROVIA – Amid calls for the empowerment of women, girls and youth in general across the country, the Kids Educational Engagement Project (KEEP), has dedicated and turnover a modern learning resource center in Cestos City, River Cess County. The center is valued at US$88,502.

KEEP is a national non-governmental organization that seeks to promote social justice, development of vulnerable children and youth by strengthening their capacities. The organization was established during the height of the Ebola outbreak in the country and has more than 7000 students across the country.

The dedication program held on Wednesday, May 1, 2019, also coincided with the graduation of 250 girls, women and youth in various skills, including tailoring, basic computer skills, pastry, sexual reproductive health as well as additional 50 teachers in reading strategies.

The new dedicated learning resource center holds 20 desktop computers, hundreds of new reading materials, solar system and others. This brings the total of 13 learning resource centers in four of Liberia’s 15 counties with a plan to cover the entire country. J. Bismark Karbiah, Superintendent of River Cess County said the maintenance of the new facility remains a priority of his leadership, a commitment made to KEEP’s Executive Director Mrs. Brenda Brewer Moore and partners.

“We want to see total change of River Cess County where people will have access to opportunities and help in transforming Cestos City from the natural beauty that comprises of trees mainly to artificial beauty that encompasses infrastructures and empowerment of the people,” Superintendent Karbiah said.

Mr. Karbiah, however, challenged citizens of River Cess County to take advantage of the learning resource center to acquire skills through the opportunity provided and help to make themselves productive and independent while helping to transform the county.

“If the citizens of the county capacities are built, it will help RiveCess. Only citizens of River Cess will help in building/transforming the county. Today, we are lobbying to ensure that the teachers’ quarter is built, because payment of rent by teachers who are making small money is challenging,” Superintendent Karbiah said.

Superintendent Karbiah further said his administration remains grateful to KEEP and its partners for the level of support in building the capacity of the citizens in the county. He added that determination will help to transform the county to artificial beauty and empower the residents more.

Wellington Geevon Smith, a prominent citizen of River Cess County and former superintendent who also delivered the keynote address called on the citizens to utilize the skills acquired and be more productive in developing/improving their lives.

“We need to take advantage of the skills acquired, which will enablethe people to provide more for us. This learning resource center indicates that someone still thinking about us, especially empowerment. Importantly, this program will have a long positive impact in the county,” Mr. Smith told citizens of River Cess.

Mr. Smith further indicated that the graduation and dedication of the new facility was made possible through Ambassador Lewis G. Brown who was concerned about citizens of River Cess, while serving as Liberia’s Ambassador to the United Nations (UN).

He further called on the citizens of River Cess to unite and help in transforming the county, stating “this county needs everyone and we must continue to hold on together and let’s go our differences.” Mr. Smith added that the success of the program rest on the shoulders of the county’s leadership as well as community residents and the beneficiaries. He also applauded KEEP and its partners for the level of support and empowerment, an initiative that stands to make the difference in the county.

Mrs. Brenda Brewer Moore, KEEP’s executive director has expressedgratitude to the Indian Government for bringing the program to reality.

“We have provided people with alternative and some decided to do pastry, tailoring, and computer. After ten months, KEEP has exceeded the targeted numbers by training 196 women in various skills,” Mrs. Moore said.

Mrs. Moore further called on the county’s leadership and pending beneficiaries of the facility to properly manage the center and ensure that the equipment is maintained.

She said working with men is important, but they have realized thatworking with the mothers is convenient. The Wednesday’s program brought together KEEP’s beneficiaries, partners and county’s officials.