Sinoe County, Sept. 19, 2024: More than 200 students in Weah Doe community and surrounding areas in Kpanyan District, Sinoe County, will benefit from a new elementary school constructed by Golden Veroleum Liberia (GVL).

The three-classroom elementary school was constructed under the company’s educational support (GES) program. The GES is designed to support the educational needs of both GVL employees’ dependents and children from surrounding communities.

The construction of the primary school in the area, the first of its kind, means that students no longer have to attend classes under dilapidated makeshift structures.

Speaking at the dedication program on September 18, 2024, GVL Senior Manager for Sustainability Roosevelt Wleh said the project fulfilled a key commitment set out by GVL in its MoU agreements to support education and improve the well-being of employees, their dependents and host communities.

“We see this as a key part of our relationship with you, our partner community. The company will continue to work with local communities to improve social and economic opportunities,” said Roosevelt.

Presenting the keys to the community, Mr. Wleh urged the school’s administration and the community to encourage children to attend the school and unlock the value of community education for future generations.

Receiving the keys to the building, Acting District Education Officer of Lower Kpanyan Mr. Nathaniel Wah lauded GVL for the project, saying that the project has brought relief and hope to the children of Weah Doe Community. He noted the support GVL had provided to education efforts in the County, adding that he has dedicated other schools constructed by GVL including the Tarwleh Kofa public school. He urged the community and the school administration to properly manage the facility for its longevity and to use it for its intended purpose.

In separate remarks, the community chairman, the school principal James, D. Parlot, Paramount Chief Fedrick Blayee and Youth Chaiman Tom Gbalah, celebrated the building as the first modern school structure in the community, describing the project as a blessing to residents.

“We are more than happy to have this modern school building for the first time in our community. GVL as a company continues to demonstrate its commitment to support development and improve our livelihoods.

“With this new building, our children will be happy to come to school and learn in a conducive atmosphere,” said Paramount Chief Blayee.

GVL has constructed a total of thirteen elementary schools under the GES program in Sinoe and Grand Kru, and rehabilitated several others.

Through the GES, GVL is also providing teaching and learning materials, furniture and paying stipends to over 130 volunteer teachers in Sinoe and Grand Kru counties.