It was a day of excitement and appreciation at the William D. Coleman Junior High School in Clay Ashland as students and staff warmly welcomed officials from the Richard and Coleman Family Foundation (RCFF) during a working visit.
Students gathered in the schoolyard, holding placards with inscriptions such as, “Welcome to William D. Coleman Junior High School. Thanks for what you are doing for our school through the RCFF. We love you!”
The atmosphere was filled with joy as students and faculty expressed their gratitude for the foundation’s continued support.
RCFF Board Chair, John Cassell, accompanied by the foundation’s Secretary, Barbara Darby, greeted the students with smiles and words of encouragement.
They urged the students to take their education seriously and remain focused on their studies.
The delegation emphasized the importance of learning as a pathway to success and assured the school that the RCFF remains committed to improving educational opportunities for young people in Liberia.
During a brief meeting with the school’s administration, the visiting officials highlighted that their presence was intended to gain firsthand insight into the challenges the school faces.
They reiterated that William D. Coleman Junior High School and other institutions in the area remain a top priority for the foundation.
One of the major issues discussed during the meeting was the urgent need to extend the school from a junior high to a senior high institution.
Currently, students who complete junior high are forced to seek secondary education in Virginia and other surrounding areas, which presents logistical and financial difficulties for many families.
The RCFF delegation assured school officials that they are exploring ways to facilitate the expansion, ensuring that students can complete their high school education within their community.
Additionally, the officials reaffirmed the foundation’s continued commitment to supporting the school.
They acknowledged the dedication of volunteer teachers and staff who have been working tirelessly despite limited resources.
They pledged to advocate for more support to address the needs of these educators and to enhance the learning environment for students.
For his part, the principal of William D. Coleman High School, Alfred Sumo, expressed profound gratitude to the RCFF delegation for taking the time to visit.
He outlined several critical challenges facing the school, including shortage of qualified teachers—many of whom are volunteers—along with the lack of electricity, stationery, and other essential materials.
Sumo further appealed for more assistance, emphasizing that the school’s progress depends on sustained support from organizations like RCFF.
He encouraged continued engagement with the foundation and other stakeholders to ensure students receive the quality education they deserve.
In response to the concerns raised, the RCFF officials reassured the school’s administration that the foundation remains dedicated to providing long-term support.
They vowed to continue mobilizing resources to improve the school’s infrastructure, address staffing concerns, and provide necessary learning materials to enhance students’ academic experience.
As they concluded their visit, the RCFF representatives thanked the students and staff for their warm reception and urged them to remain resilient in their pursuit of education.
Their visit left the school’s community hopeful for a brighter future, as they look forward to the foundation’s continued intervention in improving educational standards in Clay Ashland and beyond.
The Richard and Coleman Family Foundation has been actively involved in supporting educational initiatives in Liberia, reinforcing its mission to empower young minds through quality education.
