Photo: Eric Kanalstein/UNMIL
Cestos City, Liberia – As part of the effort to rebuild the education sector and support the recovery and reconstruction initiatives in Liberia, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Alan Doss, has officially handed over the newly rehabilitated G. Flama Sherman Kindergarten to the authorities and residents of River Cess County, in the southern part of the country.
The rehabilitation of the kindergarten, which was funded by the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) through its Quick Impact Projects (QIPs), is part of a broader UN initiative to expand Liberia’s educational system. More than 50 per cent of all QIPs target educational facilities throughout Liberia, with special focus on areas receiving returning war-affected populations.
Addressing the River Cess County authorities and residents during the handover ceremony, Mr. Doss spoke about the importance of education in rebuilding the nation and noted that education is a right of every citizen of the world and the foundation of freedom. “Without education there is no lasting freedom,” he said.
The Special Representative acknowledged the challenges facing the County, highlighting the need to re-establish the rule of law, including the rehabilitation and construction of police stations, court houses and correctional facilities. Mr. Doss assured the residents that UNMIL would continue to work towards strengthening the security services and assist in the recovery of Liberia. He stressed the importance of maintaining peace. “Without peace and harmony we cannot progress,” he noted.
River Cess County Superintendent Mr. Francis Paye welcomed the delegation and praised UNMIL for its efforts to help rebuild the County. He also gave an overview of the challenges, including, health, education, communications, road conditions and the need to build a bridge across the Cestos River.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Joseph Korto, recognized that “not only is the education system in Liberia weak, but River Cess is one of the Counties that is underserved.” To show the intent of Liberia’s President to champion the cause of education, he announced a donation of computers for students in the County. He also stressed the importance of raising the standards of education, the need for more teachers and the incentives currently being established to encourage qualified teachers to return to the counties.
The hand-over ceremony was also attended by the Senior Senator of River Cess County, Mr. Jay Jonathan Banney, and senior UNMIL officials. While in Cestos City, the Special Representative also met with the Ethiopian contingent and UNMIL personnel deployed in the County.
The rehabilitation of the kindergarten, which was funded by the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) through its Quick Impact Projects (QIPs), is part of a broader UN initiative to expand Liberia’s educational system. More than 50 per cent of all QIPs target educational facilities throughout Liberia, with special focus on areas receiving returning war-affected populations.
Addressing the River Cess County authorities and residents during the handover ceremony, Mr. Doss spoke about the importance of education in rebuilding the nation and noted that education is a right of every citizen of the world and the foundation of freedom. “Without education there is no lasting freedom,” he said.
The Special Representative acknowledged the challenges facing the County, highlighting the need to re-establish the rule of law, including the rehabilitation and construction of police stations, court houses and correctional facilities. Mr. Doss assured the residents that UNMIL would continue to work towards strengthening the security services and assist in the recovery of Liberia. He stressed the importance of maintaining peace. “Without peace and harmony we cannot progress,” he noted.
River Cess County Superintendent Mr. Francis Paye welcomed the delegation and praised UNMIL for its efforts to help rebuild the County. He also gave an overview of the challenges, including, health, education, communications, road conditions and the need to build a bridge across the Cestos River.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Joseph Korto, recognized that “not only is the education system in Liberia weak, but River Cess is one of the Counties that is underserved.” To show the intent of Liberia’s President to champion the cause of education, he announced a donation of computers for students in the County. He also stressed the importance of raising the standards of education, the need for more teachers and the incentives currently being established to encourage qualified teachers to return to the counties.
The hand-over ceremony was also attended by the Senior Senator of River Cess County, Mr. Jay Jonathan Banney, and senior UNMIL officials. While in Cestos City, the Special Representative also met with the Ethiopian contingent and UNMIL personnel deployed in the County.
UNMIL Public Affairs Press Release
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