Montserrado County, Liberia – A renewed sense of hope and opportunity now stands where a once-crumbling building threatened the dreams of dozens of children. Orphans Concern, a local nonprofit organization, has officially unveiled a fully refurbished school facility at the Comfort K. Toe Orphanage Home, marking a major step forward in the fight to provide quality education for orphaned and vulnerable children in Liberia.
The dedication ceremony, held over the weekend, was attended by community members, local stakeholders, and representatives from civil society groups. The event celebrated the transformation of the once-dilapidated school into a safe, fully functional learning center—not just for the children at the orphanage, but also for boys and girls from the surrounding neighborhoods.
Once plagued by leaking roofs, cracked walls, and unsafe classroom conditions, the school now features solid infrastructure, brand-new desks and chairs, clean water access, and hygienic sanitation facilities. These upgrades were made possible through generous donations from Liberian individuals and community partners, marking a rare but powerful instance of a fully locally funded development initiative.
In an interview with Verity News, Amos Sawboh, Executive Director of Orphans Concern, emphasized the deeper significance of the project.
“This school is not just a building ~ it’s a symbol of what we can do when communities take ownership of their future,” Sawboh said. “We are grateful for the local support, but the need remains great, and we urgently call on government bodies and international organizations to step in and sustain the lives and futures of these children.”
Sawboh noted that while the refurbishment of the school is a tremendous milestone, it also highlights the broader systemic challenges facing orphaned children in Liberia. With the withdrawal of several major international donors in recent years, many orphanages across the country are under increasing pressure to meet even the most basic needs ~ such as education, healthcare, food, and shelter.
Experts and advocates have warned that the country’s orphanages are in crisis. According to local reports, more than half of Liberia’s childcare institutions are operating under severe financial constraints, with some forced to reduce services or turn away new children due to lack of support.
Orphans Concern’s locally led initiative stands as both an example of resilience and a call to action. It demonstrates the potential of community-driven solutions, but also underscores the urgent need for sustainable, long-term investment ~ particularly from government and international development agencies.
Community members who attended the ceremony expressed both joy and gratitude, applauding the efforts of Orphans Concern and its supporters. Many spoke of the difference the new school will make, not only for the children living at the orphanage, but for the broader community which lacks adequate educational infrastructure.
Hope Beyond the Walls
For the children at Comfort K. Toe Orphanage, the new school building represents more than a place of learning ~ it is a tangible sign that they are not forgotten.
“I want to be a nurse so I can help other people,” said nine-year-old Blessing, a resident of the orphanage. “Now I can learn better because the classroom is nice, and we don’t have rain coming inside anymore.”
As Liberia continues to grapple with economic challenges and strained public services, the dedication of this school building is a reminder of what is possible when communities come together with a shared purpose. But it is also a reminder of the fragile line between hope and hardship for Liberia’s most vulnerable children.
Orphans Concern is urging national leaders and global partners to invest meaningfully in the lives of these children, before the window of opportunity closes.
