After years of rejection by mainstream schools, more than twenty children living with disabilities have finally found a place to learn, grow, and thrive ~ thanks to the efforts of the Miral Korean Operated School in Jungle Farm, Lower Margibi County.
Established in 2016, the school has steadily grown into a beacon of inclusive education, now operating at the high school level. A significant component of its program is the “Shalom” class, a specialized institution within the school designed to serve children with various disabilities, including visual and hearing impairments, as well as physical challenges.
This transformative initiative has not only brought renewed hope to children previously denied access to education, but has also shone a spotlight on the ongoing issue of discrimination against persons with disabilities in Liberia’s school system.
Speaking to Verity News during the school’s 14th Gala Anniversary celebration, the head of the specialized department, Mr. Solomon Suah, expressed his deep commitment to the work. “It is passion that keeps us going,” Suah said. “The proprietress, Madam MJ, and I are driven by a belief that every child ~ regardless of ability ~ deserves quality education.”
Suah lamented the fact that many schools in the country still turn away students with disabilities. He urged the national government to step in and take concrete actions to eliminate such discrimination, stressing the importance of inclusive policies and better support systems for disabled learners.
Parents of the students currently benefiting from the program were also present at the anniversary celebration. Many of them shared emotional testimonies, expressing gratitude to the school for offering their children a chance to pursue their dreams through education.
“This school has been a blessing,” said one parent. “My child was rejected by several schools before Miral accepted them. Now, they are learning and smiling again.”
The parents further called on non-governmental organizations, philanthropists, and the broader community to support the Miral Korean Operated School, enabling it to continue and expand its vital work.
As Liberia continues to grapple with issues of educational access, the efforts of the Miral Korean Operated School stand as a powerful example of what can be achieved when compassion meets action.
