By Aaron B Nemah
MARYLAND CO., LIBERIA – On Tuesday, July 30, 2024, the local Ministry of Education office in Maryland officially turned over a modern high school building to the residents of Barraken Town. The dedication ceremony, held on the school’s main campus, was attended by local chiefs, women’s groups, CEO Emmanuel Toe, Pleebo District DEO Ceries Doe, NTAL President Kahra George Ivy, Street Child Liberia Coordinator, and acting DEO for Sodoken School District, Mr. Daniel Hinneh.
Presenting the school building to the town, County Education Officer Emmanuel Toe praised ADDRA, the World Bank, and the Liberian government for their support and initiative. He noted that the Ministry of Education, led by Minister Jarsor Jallah, is actively undertaking school projects across Liberia to improve the education system.
CEO Toe assured his commitment to the faculty of the institution and urged them to protect the building to ensure a high standard of learning in the area. “My office is committed to cooperating with you, especially the teaching staff, to see the building as your own. We are hopeful to see over four hundred students in the building next school year,” he emphasized.
The County Education Officer highlighted that the dedication of the new high school would enhance better learning opportunities for school-going children. He added that the students of Barraken should maintain the building and not leave it vulnerable to damage.
Receiving the new school, Principal Mathew W. Kraibo of Barraken High School commended the Ministry of Education and international partners for this significant development in the area. He explained that the building would be used for its intended purpose and is expected to accommodate over four hundred students next school year for the first time.
Kraibo added that the dedication ceremony marked a significant milestone for the residents of Barraken Town. “Since I became principal of Barraken Junior High School in the early ’90s, this is the first time I have seen such a modern high school constructed in the town,” he remarked.
Principal Kraibo noted that while the completion of the school project is a major achievement, the lack of furniture in the building is an issue that the Liberian government and international donors need to address quickly to ensure a conducive learning environment for students in the next academic year.
The principal pledged his support to the local office of the Ministry of Education and expressed his commitment to close collaboration to uplift the institution.
