AML-Funded School Brings Hope to Nimba Community

NIMBA COUNTY, Liberia, November 13, 2026 — Hundreds of residents of Yokopa and neighboring communities along ArcelorMittal Liberia’s (AML) railway corridor in Nimba County have welcomed the construction of a modern seven-classroom school building, describing the project as a major boost to education in the area.

The new facility, funded through AML’s annual US$1.5 million contribution to the Nimba County Social Development Fund (SDF), is expected to improve learning conditions for children who have endured years of inadequate educational facilities.

Currently, about 165 kindergarten and elementary students attend classes in a deteriorating wooden structure, where overcrowding and a shortage of seating force many children to sit on the bare ground or bring benches from home.

The new school will feature seven classrooms, administrative offices, a teachers’ lounge and modern restroom facilities.

The project is financed through the Community Development Fund (CDF), which receives 20 percent, or US$300,000, of AML’s annual contribution to support communities directly affected by its operations.

Construction began in July 2025, marking Yokopa’s first direct development project under the fund.

Speaking on the development, Yokopa Community Chairlady Betty Yoko expressed appreciation to AML, saying the new facility would significantly improve educational opportunities for local children.

“We are grateful to ArcelorMittal Liberia for its contribution to social development, which has made our new school building possible,” Yoko said.

“Our children will soon move into a better learning environment, and we hope the relevant stakeholders can complete the project soon.”

She explained that children seeking higher primary education currently travel to nearby Duo, exposing them to road safety risks and bullying.

AML Community Relations Officer for rail communities, Melvin Divine Ziamo, commended residents, particularly women, for their active involvement in the construction.

According to him, community members voluntarily contributed local materials, assisted with foundation work, cleared the construction site and provided food and accommodation for workers.

Meanwhile, schoolteacher Isaac Meneyengehn described the existing learning environment as “deplorable and unbearable,” noting that students frequently return home covered in dust after sitting on the classroom floor.

Community resident E. Karwah Slaipeh also welcomed the investment but appealed to the Ministry of Education to assign qualified, government-supported teachers to the school upon completion.

He said additional teachers would strengthen the work of volunteer educators currently serving the community.

The project forms part of AML’s social development investments aimed at improving educational infrastructure and living conditions in communities affected by its operations.