Ben T.C. Brooks
River Gee County – October 2, 2025 – A wave of joy and gratitude filled the air at the St. Kizito Catholic School in Gbeapo Kanweaken, River Gee County, as more than 50 underprivileged and honor roll students received a generous donation of school supplies.
The donation, spearheaded by Jay Doe Welah, Unity Party Chairman of River Gee County and Regional Agriculture Coordinator, is part of a broader effort to support vulnerable students and promote access to quality education in rural communities.
Kanweaken, the commercial hub of River Gee County located about 20 kilometers from the county capital, Fish Town, has long faced challenges of inadequate student support.
Speaking at the distribution ceremony on the school’s campus on October 2, 2025, Welah mentioned that the effort was designed to help bridge those gaps through targeted community assistance in shaping individuals and the society
“Education is the cornerstone of development,” he said. “By helping these students stay in school and succeed, we are building a stronger foundation for our county and our country. No child should be left behind because of a lack of basic learning materials.”
The donation included dozens of copybooks, pens, pencils, geometry sets, book bags, and other essential supplies. Beneficiaries were selected based on financial need and academic excellence, ensuring that the most vulnerable and promising students were prioritized.
The gesture was warmly received by school administrators and community leaders. Rev. Fr. Christopher T. Harmon, Administrator of St. Kizito Elementary School, described the donation as timely and impactful.
“This donation will go a long way in easing the burden on struggling families and helping students stay focused on their studies,” Rev. Fr. Harmon said. “We deeply appreciate Mr. Welah’s continued commitment to education and youth development.”
Welah’s support for St. Kizito Catholic School is one of several initiatives he has launched to uplift communities in River Gee. His efforts, community members noted, reflect a commitment to social progress that goes beyond politics and public service.
In his closing remarks, Welah called on other stakeholders, government officials, community leaders, and private citizens to prioritize education, particularly in remote and underserved regions.
“When we invest in children, we invest in the future,” he said. “I encourage everyone to be part of this journey to empower our youth and build a better Liberia.”
Meanwhile, several students expressed heartfelt thanks for the gesture. Mercy K. Chea and Hamilton Warka Jr., both beneficiaries, described the donation as life-changing.
“We are happy and encouraged,” said Warka Jr. “This support means a lot to us and gives us the motivation to work harder in school.”
The event ended on a note of renewed hope and optimism as students returned to class equipped with the tools they need to learn, grow, and succeed.
