One Bench at a Time Liberia (OBTL) to Provide Relief for Rural School Students in Lofa County

Lofa County – In a bid to alleviate the struggles faced by rural school pupils in Liberia, especially those in Lofa County, the non-profit organization One Bench at a Time Liberia (OBTL) is set to embark on a mission to install a minimum of 1000 benches in these underserved schools.

OBTL, a Liberian-owned and operated NGO with a dual presence in Liberia and the United States, has made it its mission to contribute to the enhancement of the education system. Their primary focus is addressing the critical issue of inadequate seating in rural schools.

Currently, many students in rural Liberia lack proper benches and chairs, forcing them to sit on the floor or use makeshift materials. OBTL recognizes the importance of supporting the education sector for Liberia’s progress and has recently completed its inaugural donation in Yarpuah Town, Lofa County.

Mrs. Menekeh Pshorr Giddings, Co-founder of OBTL, expressed the organization’s commitment to this cause. In collaboration with local carpenters, OBTL successfully provided 25 benches to the Yarpuah Community School, benefiting over 100 students and residents.

Mrs. Giddings emphasized that the initiative aims to create a conducive learning environment while extending support beyond the classroom to various community activities. To further their mission, OBTL announced a re-launch fundraiser in partnership with Teach For Liberia and the Lutheran Training Institute.

The fundraising event is scheduled for January 30, 2024, from 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm at the YMCA, with Senator Momo Cyrus honored as the chief fundraiser for the event.

As part of this impactful initiative, OBTL aims to raise funds for 1,000 benches and sponsor two Teach For Liberia Fellows to be stationed in Lofa County. Mrs. Giddings revealed that they are striving to raise funds for two teachers at the cost of US$300 each and 1,000 school chairs and benches at US$25 per bench.