Monrovia – In appreciation over the numerous supports to their institution over the years, the Liberia School of the Blind in collaboration with the Ministry of Education (MOE) has presented certificates of recognition and appreciation to their benefactors including individuals, government and non-governmental organizations.
Prominent among the recipients of the certificates at the 42nd anniversary celebration of the school held on Monday, March 26, 2019 were the Embassy of the United States near Monrovia, the Malachi York Foundation, and Mary’s Meals.
Deputy Minister for Instruction at the Ministry of Education, Alexander Duopu presented to the benefactors each of the certificates which contain the words: “In due recognition and appreciation of your hard work, sensitivity, immeasurable humanitarian contributions, and remarkable achievements to the growth and development of Liberia through your demonstrated exemplary love and concern which reflect the interest of the Liberian people, including people with disabilities, under the auspices of the Ministry of Education is pleased to award you this certificate,”
The certificates were signed by the principal of the school, Mr. Jackson Suah, who himself is a visually impaired person and approved by the Deputy Minister for Instruction at the Ministry of Education, Alexander N. Duopu.
Both the Principal and the Deputy Minister were happy for the level of support the Liberia School of the Blind has received and continues to receive from humanitarian organizations, governments and people from far and near.
Receiving the certificate, the Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy, Alyson Grander said the United States government through its Embassy near Monrovia was honored by the recognition for assistance rendered the school over the years.
“The U.S. government will not discriminate against persons with disabilities and the United States International Development Agency (USAID) will work to ensure the inclusion and active participation of persons with disabilities in its funded programs and activities,” Grander assured the disable community which is inclusive of the visually impaired persons.
She, on behalf of United Sates Government congratulated the partners who have collaborated with the School of the Blind on the launch of its vocational training program.
She added that a skilled workforce is a basic requirement for driving the engine of industrial and economic growth.
“It is a fact that in whatever sector of the economy, there is a need for skilled personnel to come up with innovations that can be implemented and, in turn, drive the economy to its highest levels,” the U.S. Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission said.
She pointed out that it is a welcoming development that Liberia has one of the youngest and fastest growing young populations in the world and that it is important to ensure that this large youthful population is educated.
“It will always be good news that this increasing number of young people receives quality technical education in this world of rapidly changing labor markets, growing youth unemployment, migration and technological advancements,” she said.
She thanked the Ministry of Education who partnered with the School of the Blind to recognize the contributions of the U.S. government through its embassy near Monrovia.
“I believe we need to keep investing in relevant skills and competencies for the young people, including those with disabilities. I encourage all key stakeholders and partners to get involved,” Grander concluded.
For his part, the vice president of the Malachi York Foundation, Den Tut Rayay in receipt of his Foundation’s certificate, said he was pleased with the honor bestowed upon the Malachi York Foundation,.
He noted that although his foundation was unaware of any plan by the school to honor it for the kind gestures, which included 80 white canes (Walking Sticks) for the entire staff and student body and a donation of $1000 USD during the 2018 Christmas time, he was pleased that there is a great bond of friendship already existing between the school and his foundation.
“We do not do good because we want awards or praises but as society has put it already, kindly accept our gratitude for making us part of the number of valuable institutions and persons you have thought to honor today. We are proud to continue on the Philanthropic works of Dr. Malachi York as he awaits his repatriation from the United States back to the Republic of Liberia. We are grateful and pray that God grants us more resources to continue to lend our hand of support to you and others in other communities in Liberia, Den Tut Rayay said.
As one of the guest speakers of the anniversary celebration, the Assistant Minister for Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET) at the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Millias Z. Sheriff said providing vocational education to all is an important investment any nation can boast of in these days of immense competing priorities.
Sheriff who launched the technical and vocational education (TVET) program of the School of the Blind said in no way can someone’s disability be his or her inability when the right opportunities are accorded them.
“The students here, and even some of the teachers, including the principal are blind or visually impaired but they are great assets to our country. All they need is our support as people and government,” he said.
The Ministry of Youth and Sport’s Assistant Minister said there is need for government to increase the budget for the smooth operations of the disable community organizations in the country.
“In 2013 the budget for the disable community was US$100,000 but instead of it increasing to an appreciable level, it has fallen as far down to US$45,000. This is challenging and hard to bear. We appeal that the Legislature sees reason in the appropriation of the next fiscal budget to ensure that the budget of the disable community get increment,” he said.
The only public school of the blind in the country was established in 1977 and has since graduated hundreds of student from the primary levels to the junior high and those receiving promotion to the junior high have no choice but to go out and attend other schools where they normally find it very difficult go through all of their studies.
Earlier, the Principal of the school, Jackson Suah (visually impaired) said the school’s last grade level for now is grade six and that presently there are eight graduates of the school who are currently attending other schools and are performing very well.
“We have some who have even graduated from the Cutting University and other university colleges in the country” Suah said.
For the training of the students in soap making, tie and dying, computer and a host of other skills, Suah appealed to government and all those who have stood and continue to stand by the school to contribute towards the building of a nine classroom structure before the resumption of normal school activities next academic year.
The 42nd anniversary was marked by melodious songs from the school choir (salvation singers’ choir), a drama and other performances, as well as additional speeches from other beneficiaries of the school’s recognition and appreciation.
Mary’s Meals, a not for profit organization that provides food for students at every lunch time was among those recognized and appreciated.
Presently there are 52 students attending the school and all are residing at the dormitories which are said to be having no more sufficient space to host all of them.