A shining STAR in Galilee
On a quite rural road in Montserrad County of Liberia Africa an old man around the age of 80 walks with his 45 year old daughter and his 15 year old grandson. In today's high tech world many would find it hard to believe that this trio have much in common. Today's youth are caught up in social media, SMART Phones and high definition gadgets, but not here. This area of Liberia has been denied education for 195 years. Not since 1822 has there been a formal school in the area. Many will tell you that education was simply not wanted or not enforced but the truth is, in many rural areas, it simply does not exist. The country has been torn apart by two civil wars and today the literacy rate is under 60%.
Star University and the Center for World Mission’s is looking to change the educational landscape with the help of dedicated individuals like the new director the Charles & Fay Rogers American School in Galilee, Roosevelt Weah.
Mr. Weah has spent this summer traveling to locations such as Massa Town, Sagbe Town, Gotrow Town, Yorkopolu,and Benjamin Town educating parents about the importance of education, one they never had. This fall the new school will be open to 200 students and 20 teachers. Inadequate schools and supplies, as well as a lack of qualified teachers and corruption have historically hampered Liberia’s education sector. Patronage and bribery by administrators, professors, and students are widely reported. (Banks, 2013).
However, shining STARS like Roosevelt Weah are making a difference and are helping to provide the next generation of young Liberians with the basic human right of education in a safe and nurturing environment.
History of Liberia
The country declared its independence on July 26, 1847. The United Kingdom was the first country to recognize Liberia's independence. Between January 7, 1822 and the American Civil War, more than 15,000 freed and free-born blacks, from the U.S., and 3,198 from the Caribbean islands relocated to the region. Liberia is the only African republic to have self-proclaimed independence without gaining independence through revolt from any other power, and is Africa's first and oldest modern republic.
For more information about Fay Rogers American School-Galilee Campus please visit https://www.staruniversity.org/faithandservice
or contact us directly at
Info@staruniversity.org
Banks, K. (2013, December 3). Breaking the Silence: SMS Helps Liberian Schools to Improve Education. National Geographic.
