Monrovia, Liberia – on October 24, 2023, the Embassy of Japan and the Development Education Network-Liberia (DEN-L) signed a Grassroots Human Security Project (GGHSP) Grant for the construction of an Annex to the Konia Garbo Public School in Lofa County. The grant which valued Seventy-Two Thousand Four Hundred and Twenty-Seven United States Dollars (US$72,427) is part of strengthening the existing cooperation and goodwill between the people of Japan and the people of Liberia.
In a statement delivered during the signing ceremony by His Excellency, Mr. Mochizuki Hisanobu, Ambassador of Japan to Liberia emphasized Japan and Liberia solid and enduring friendship that both countries has maintained over the years. He said the signing ceremony reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to education which serves as a guiding light for optimism across generations. The Ambassador told the audience that the fund provided for this project is also consistent with Japan’s ODA activities which is, cooperation aimed at self-reliant development through assistance and collaboration. He thanked DEN-L and all key stakeholders for their support to the project.
For his part, the Executive Director of DEN-L, Mr. Johnson Z. Kesselly expressed special thanks to the Embassy of Japan to Liberia and the people of Japan, and the GGHSP Team for selecting DEN-L to serve as the recipient.
He said, in 2018, the Japanese government approved $54,416 United States Dollars to DEN-L for the construction of an annex to the Tellewoyan Public School located in John’s Town, Voinjama District, Lofa County. According to the ED, the annex is now serving more than five surrounding towns and has increased enrollment of students in that part of Liberia.
Mr. Kesselly narrative, the provision of this new grant which DEN-L’s firmly sees as a privilege will again see the construction of a modern edifice to the existing Konia Public School located in Konia Town, Lofa County to serve more than eight surrounding towns thereby contributing greatly to the educational needs of children in that region and Liberia.
The Executive Director seized the opportunity to extend sincere thanks and appreciation on behalf of the elders, the parents, community leaders, and the student population of these fortunate communities to the Japanese Government and people for the financial support. He further acknowledged the assistance provided by the ministries, Public Works and Education during the formulation of the project document.
Lastly, Mr. Kesselly reaffirmed DEN-L’s commitment to timely completion of the project in line with the project chapter.
Project outline: The project runs for one year beginning from October 24, 2023 to October 24, 2024. When completed, it will serve about 180 pupils of elementary grades with safe learning environment with ample classroom spaces, and a total of approximately 670 children and students with hygienic school environments.
