The Education Network for Transformation (EduNet) Inc. has provided new armchairs and chalkboards to Olivia S. Washington Elementary School in Gbangba Town, Bomi County, to alleviate longstanding shortages of seating and teaching materials that have hindered learning at the rural institution.
Earlier this year, with support from its United States of America office, EduNet conducted an assessment across Bomi County to identify a school most in need of support. Olivia S. Washington Elementary School emerged as the beneficiary due to its unique history and critical needs. Established by a women’s self-help initiative to spare children the hour-long trek to neighboring villages for school, the institution serves 91 students — 48 boys and 43 girls — from kindergarten to grade six.
Presenting the donation on behalf of EduNet, Justin M. Kanneh Sr. stated that the funds were entirely from individual contributions by EduNet members and friends. “We wanted to prove that even without major sponsors, people who care can make a lasting difference,” he noted.
Mr. Kanneh said the donation aligns with the Government of Liberia’s “One Child, One Chair” initiative and also addresses the school’s acute shortage of furniture and basic instructional materials.
The handover ceremony brought together local leaders and education stakeholders as well as the student population.
The school’s Principal Zinnah Burphy described the donation as “beyond imagination,” noting that despite numerous promises over the years, this was the first time the school had received such tangible support. He recounted the school’s beginnings, which were built and initially sponsored by Olivia S. Washington, a native of the town who was now living abroad. According to him, the new furniture will allow the school to provide adequate seating for all classes in the upcoming academic year.
For his part, the DEO Albert Queequla praised EduNet for identifying a real problem and delivering a practical solution. He officially turned over the items to the principal, pledging to ensure their proper care and maintenance.
Local authorities hailed the gesture as historic, disclosing that the initiative was the first in the school’s history to have had such a donation that would go a long way improving the learning environment for the students.
Founded 2024, EduNet is a Liberian-registered non-profit organization born from the shared passion of its founders to bridge educational gaps. Drawing inspiration from their journeys from underserved communities to professional success, the organization combines skills training for professionals with educational support for less-privileged children. Its vision is to transform lives through learning and empowerment, ensuring that no dream goes unfulfilled simply for lack of access to quality education.
It also runs an active support-based office in the United States which runs career development programs in Agile scrum master and project management.
