By Linus Flomo
The Chinese Embassy accredited near Monrovia made a significant donation to support public education in Monrovia.
The donation made on Thursday will contribute to essential food supplies, learning materials, and sports equipment intended to enhance the learning environment in the city’s public schools.
At a ceremony held at the Embassy of China in Monrovia, Chinese Ambassador YIN Chengwu presented the donations which included 300 bags of 25kg rice, 100 barrels of 20-liter cooking oil, 300 cans of milk powder, 150 cans of beef, 50 whiteboards, 100 whiteboard markers, 25 basketballs, and 25 footballs.
These contributions are aimed at improving the educational experience for thousands of students across Monrovia’s public schools.
In his address during the ceremony, Ambassador Yin expressed China’s strong commitment to supporting Liberia’s education sector.
He emphasized the importance of education in shaping a nation’s future, stating, “Education is the bedrock of a society. Public schools provide children with equal access to education, social responsibility, and positive values. We hope these resources will help Monrovia’s public schools function better, provide students with nutritious meals, facilitate more sports activities, and boost their confidence and happiness.”
Ambassador Yin also linked the donation to the broader goals of Liberia’s national development agenda.
He pointed out that the Monrovia Consolidated School System (MCSS) is a vital part of the government’s ARREST (Agenda for Responsive and Inclusive Education) initiative, which seeks to improve education in Liberia.
He also noted that this donation reflects China’s desire to deepen its friendship and cooperation with Liberia, especially after the elevation of their bilateral relations to a strategic partnership during the recent Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Summit in Beijing.
“We hope this support will encourage more partnerships and investments in education,” he added. “Education is a long-term endeavor, and we are committed to working alongside Liberia to create a better environment for the healthy growth of every student and the hard work of every teacher.”
Monrovia City Mayor John-Charuk Siafa also spoke at the event, thanking the Chinese Embassy for the generous donation.
Mayor Siafa noted that the contribution would help create a better learning environment for students in the capital.
He stressed the critical role of education in any society, particularly in Liberia, where over 60% of the population is youthful.
“Education is the foundation of every society, and the youth are our future,” Mayor Siafa said. “We must prioritize their education and well-being to ensure they are prepared to lead the next generation.”
The mayor also acknowledged the alignment of the Chinese donation with President Joseph Boakai ARREST agenda, emphasizing that the President’s vision places education at the forefront of the country’s development priorities.
“We must support the President’s focus on education because without teachers, there can be no real progress,” he said. “And this donation is a testament to the strong friendship between China and Liberia.”
Mayor Siafa also shared the success of his recent trip to China, which resulted in five scholarship opportunities for students from the Monrovia City Corporation (MCC) to pursue masters and doctoral degrees.
He expressed gratitude for the ongoing support from the Chinese government, which he described as a strong and consistent partner in Liberia’s development.
James A.S. Momoh, Superintendent of the Monrovia Consolidated School System (MCSS), also addressed the gathering, expressing his gratitude for the donation and the broader impact it would have on the educational system.
He spoke about the challenges faced by Liberia’s public schools, including poverty and limited resources, but also highlighted the importance of international partnerships like the one with China.
“Education is key to transforming the future of our country,” Momoh said. “We are working hard to bring new ideas and methods into our public institutions. This support will help us continue to improve, providing students with the tools they need to succeed.”
He also outlined his efforts to improve teacher quality and student outcomes, including sending 15 teachers to India for specialized training. “Our teachers are the backbone of our educational system, and we are committed to ensuring they have the skills and knowledge to provide the best education possible to our students.”
The donation comes at a crucial time, as Liberia continues to grapple with challenges in its education sector, including overcrowded classrooms, inadequate infrastructure, and low levels of student performance.
However, the support from the Chinese Embassy is seen as a significant step toward addressing these issues, helping to provide essential resources to both students and teachers.
As Ambassador Yin noted, education is not only a priority for the Liberian government but also for international partners like China, who are committed to supporting long-term educational reforms in Liberia.
“Today’s event is a symbol of the strong and enduring friendship between China and Liberia,” said Ambassador Yin. “We are proud to be part of Liberia’s journey toward a brighter, more prosperous future.”
With the continued cooperation of both local and international partners, Liberia’s education system may be on a promising path toward sustainable growth and development, with its students leading the way.
