By: Methuselah Gaye
The long-standing appeal by the Principal of Toe Town Public School, Genesis Whegelee, for improved learning facilities has finally received a major boost as the Rivercess County Administration has allocated approximately US$43,500 for the construction of a modern six-classroom school building in Toe Town.
The allocation forms part of the county’s development initiatives aimed at improving access to quality education in rural communities across Rivercess County.
According to the proposal, the new facility for Toe Town Public School will provide a safer and more conducive learning environment for students who have for years studied under difficult conditions. Another six-classroom school building, also valued at US$43,500, has been proposed for Sadio Public School in Garwlor.
For several years, Genesis Whegelee consistently raised concerns about the poor condition of the school’s infrastructure, shortage of learning materials, and inadequate support for teachers. Previous reports highlighted that students at Toe Town Public School were learning in unsafe and unfinished structures, while many children sat on bare floors due to a lack of desks and chairs.
A 2024 report by Verity News revealed that the school was facing serious infrastructural challenges after the old building deteriorated over time, leaving more than 200 students exposed to unsafe learning conditions. The report quoted Principal Whegelee as saying that the Parent-Teacher Association and community members had earlier attempted to construct a new building, but the project stalled due to lack of funding.
The same report noted that Genesis Whegelee was at the time the only government-paid teacher assigned at the school, while other instructors served as volunteers with little or no compensation.
Beyond his advocacy for improved infrastructure, Genesis Whegelee has also been recognized nationally for his contribution to early childhood education in Liberia. A feature published by the Global Partnership for Education highlighted his participation in specialized Early Childhood Education training programs aimed at improving teaching quality in rural Liberia.
Residents of Toe Town and surrounding communities have welcomed the county administration’s decision, describing it as a major step toward strengthening education in the area. Citizens believe the completion of the school building will improve attendance, create a better atmosphere for learning, and motivate both teachers and students.
Despite numerous challenges over the years, including poor infrastructure and limited educational resources, Toe Town Public School has remained one of the key learning institutions serving children in the area.
