Warning: Undefined array key 1 in /home4/ireplibc/public_html/liberianewsnetwork/wp-content/plugins/featured-image-from-url/includes/jetpack.php on line 12
Warning: Undefined array key 1 in /home4/ireplibc/public_html/liberianewsnetwork/wp-content/plugins/featured-image-from-url/includes/jetpack.php on line 12
Warning: Undefined array key 1 in /home4/ireplibc/public_html/liberianewsnetwork/wp-content/plugins/featured-image-from-url/includes/jetpack.php on line 12
Warning: Undefined array key 1 in /home4/ireplibc/public_html/liberianewsnetwork/wp-content/plugins/featured-image-from-url/includes/jetpack.php on line 12
Warning: Undefined array key 1 in /home4/ireplibc/public_html/liberianewsnetwork/wp-content/plugins/featured-image-from-url/includes/jetpack.php on line 12
Warning: Undefined array key 1 in /home4/ireplibc/public_html/liberianewsnetwork/wp-content/plugins/featured-image-from-url/includes/jetpack.php on line 12
Warning: Undefined array key 1 in /home4/ireplibc/public_html/liberianewsnetwork/wp-content/plugins/featured-image-from-url/includes/jetpack.php on line 12
Warning: Undefined array key 1 in /home4/ireplibc/public_html/liberianewsnetwork/wp-content/plugins/featured-image-from-url/includes/jetpack.php on line 12
Warning: Undefined array key 1 in /home4/ireplibc/public_html/liberianewsnetwork/wp-content/plugins/featured-image-from-url/includes/jetpack.php on line 12
Warning: Undefined array key 1 in /home4/ireplibc/public_html/liberianewsnetwork/wp-content/plugins/featured-image-from-url/includes/jetpack.php on line 12
Warning: Undefined array key 1 in /home4/ireplibc/public_html/liberianewsnetwork/wp-content/plugins/featured-image-from-url/includes/jetpack.php on line 12
In a transformative moment for Liberia, Empowerment Squared, alongside its local and international partners, officially launched the Liberia Learning Center in Paynesville. This $2 million state-of-the-art facility is the first of its kind in the country, offering hope and opportunity to over 250,000 community members in Paynesville and beyond.
The historic opening ceremony was held on the grounds of Paynesville City Hall and featured performances by the Liberian Youth Orchestra and the Liberian Crusaders for Peace. Attended by local officials, students, community leaders, and international guests, the event also drew over 15,000 virtual participants worldwide, underscoring the global significance of this achievement.
A Vision Realized
The Liberia Learning Center, conceived by Empowerment Squared’s Founder and Chief Empowerment Officer, Leo Nupolu Johnson, fulfills a lifelong vision to provide access to education and resources for Liberian youth. Johnson, who endured years in refugee camps before immigrating to Canada, shared his journey and the driving force behind this initiative.
“As a child growing up in Liberia, I never had the experience of what a library looked like,” Johnson reflected. “I studied under streetlights in front of yards with diesel generators. This center ensures no child has to endure the conditions I experienced. It’s a dream to see Liberia’s first comprehensive learning center become a reality.”
The center houses dedicated libraries for children and adults, co-working and business incubation spaces, meeting rooms, and a community radio station. Built using environmentally friendly materials, the facility incorporates solar power, rainwater collection systems, and earth-compressed brick technology, setting a benchmark for sustainable development in Liberia.
Empowering Liberia’s Future
Paynesville City Mayor Robert Bestman II lauded the collaborative effort behind the center, calling it “a testament to what is possible through visionary leadership and strong partnerships.” He pledged the city’s commitment to ensuring its long-term success.
Student Benetta Sackie of Kings and Queens International School delivered a moving speech, highlighting the center’s impact. “This is not just a place for learning,” she said. “It gives us hope, a sense of belonging, and the opportunity to work towards a brighter future.”
Representatives from international partners, including the Hamilton Public Library and McMaster University, emphasized the global nature of the collaboration. A sister-city relationship between Hamilton, Canada, and Paynesville was also announced, marking the first such partnership for Hamilton with an African city.
Building for the Future
The center’s unveiling marked the completion of Phase I, which includes educational and community resources. The launch concluded with a fundraiser gala, “Building the Dream,” held at the Royal Hotel. The event raised over $65,000 toward Phase II, which will feature a gymnasium and event center with a 1,000-person capacity.
Liberia’s Minister of Education, Dr. Jarso Maley Jallah, pledged the Ministry’s full support for the center, calling it “a catalyst for national progress.” A matching gift commitment of $150,000 from a Canadian donor further energized the fundraising efforts, doubling the impact of every contribution.
A Catalyst for Transformation
Rev. Emmett Dunn, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Empowerment Squared Liberia, described the center as a symbol of Liberia’s potential. “The completion of Phase I is just the beginning. This center is a catalyst for transformative development. Phase II will elevate this dream further, creating spaces for education, sports, and community-building like never before.”
The Liberia Learning Center stands as a beacon of hope and opportunity, addressing the country’s high illiteracy rate and limited access to resources. It exemplifies what can be achieved through vision, collaboration, and unwavering commitment, marking a new chapter for Liberia’s educational and social development.
*Patience Baye Koromah contributed to this story.
