The Liberian government has officially dedicated and turned over a newly constructed annex to the Liberia School for the Blind and Inclusive Learning, elevating it to a senior high level. Located in Mango Town, Virginia Township, the school has provided academic studies and psycho-social counseling to thousands of Liberians and foreign nationals with visual impairments for over 50 years. The annex features three modern classrooms, a science laboratory, solar panels, and running water.
Education Minister Jarso Jallah attended the dedication ceremony, where she emphasized the government's commitment to providing inclusive education. She stated that the elevation of the school aims to promote access to quality education for Persons Living with Disabilities (PWDs) in Liberia. Minister Jallah encouraged students not to let their visual impairments limit their ambitions, adding that the government will provide 25 scholarships to students completing their secondary education at the school.
The newly dedicated annex was funded by the government through its Public Sector Investment Program (PSIP). Minister Jallah expressed gratitude to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai for his support and vision in providing quality education to PWDs. She also acknowledged the school's administrative and support staff for their sacrificial roles and recognized the school's tidiness.
The school's Principal, Jackson Suah, commended the government for its investment in advancing education for specialized learners. He stated that the school is not only a specialized institution for learners with visual impairments but also an inclusive education institution providing equitable learning opportunities for students with and without disabilities. Suah emphasized that inclusive education is a matter of justice, equality, human dignity, and fundamental rights.
The annex will accommodate administrative staff and serve as classrooms for students. The historic science lab, the first of its kind in the district, will enhance practical scientific learning and promote innovation. Suah noted that the government's intervention will significantly strengthen the school's capacity to deliver quality secondary education to learners with visual impairments.
Minister Jallah announced that the Ministry of Education is finalizing a procurement process for the renovation of the entire campus of the Liberia School for the Blind. She also disclosed that a visually impaired Liberian student, William Yarsiah, is currently benefiting from the Chevening Scholarship and studying in London. The ministry will train specialized teachers to provide quality education to students with special needs across various schools in Liberia.
The government's efforts aim to ensure that every Liberian has access to quality education, regardless of their status or condition. Minister Jallah expressed hope that a similar gesture would be extended to the School for the Deaf and Dumb in the same vicinity. The ministry has completed an assessment of all inclusive and specialized schools across Liberia and distributed school supplies to enhance their operations.
Key points
- The Liberian government has officially dedicated and turned over a newly constructed annex to the Liberia School for the Blind and Inclusive Learning, elevating it to a senior high level.
- The government's efforts aim to ensure that every Liberian has access to quality education, regardless of their status or condition.
- The school's Principal, Jackson Suah, emphasized that inclusive education is a matter of justice, equality, human dignity, and fundamental rights.
