The situation in Bokay Town was particularly grave, where children had no access to schooling, leaving a generation without basic literacy and numeracy skills.
Bokay Town, Grand Bassa County-In a bold move to combat the education crisis plaguing Liberia, the recently established Central Leadership Academy (CLA) is transforming Bokay Town, a community of over 25,000 inhabitants in Grand Bassa County, District One, that has long been considered one of the nation’s forgotten districts.
By Jaheim [email protected]
With one of the highest out-of-school children rates in the world, Liberia faces significant challenges in education, evidenced by World Bank data showing that only 54% of students complete primary school.
The situation in Bokay Town was particularly grave, where children had no access to schooling, leaving a generation without basic literacy and numeracy skills.
The nearest school was over an hour’s walk away, and for many families, the option to send children to schools in other towns was financially unfeasible.
However, the launch of the CLA marks a new chapter in Bokay Town’s story. As more than a school, the academy is positioned as a beacon of hope, providing every child the opportunity to learn and aspire for a better future.
CLA offers a holistic educational model that emphasizes leadership, entrepreneurship, and essential 21st-century skills, shifting the focus from rote memorization to critical thinking and problem-solving.
Students at CLA are experiencing a newfound enthusiasm for learning.
“Before CLA, I never imagined I would ever learn to read. Now, I dream of becoming an Information Technologist and helping my country,” shares 13-year-old Lois, a proud CLA student.
The school’s influence extends beyond the classroom, instilling a sense of pride and hope within the community.
Parents who once feared for their children’s futures now walk them to school with a sense of optimism.
CLA has become a lifeline for refugee families displaced by conflict, providing structured learning and a chance at a new beginning. “For the first time in my life, I feel like my children will have opportunities that I never had.
Education is giving them a new beginning,” said one refugee parent.
The success of CLA stems from its community-driven approach, built by and for the people of Bokay Town.
Local residents rallied together to clear land and construct classrooms, while teachers volunteered their time to prepare the first cohort of students.
“This school belongs to us. It is our future, our hope, and our children’s way forward,” remarked a village elder.
Looking ahead, CLA aims to impact over 20,000 students and uplift more than 40,000 individuals by 2035 through education, leadership training, and community empowerment.
Once seen as a forgotten district, Bokay Town is rapidly transforming into a hub of learning and opportunity, proving that education can truly change lives.
