Cestos City, Rivercess County – The Presidential Special Initiative, in partnership with the Ministries of Gender, Education and State for Presidential Affairs, has donated several school materials to 17 schools across Rivercess County.
The donation is a gift from the Chief Executive Officer of HIS Charities, an international humanitarian organization based in the United Kingdom, Reverend Trevor Cockings, a long-time friend of President Joseph N. Boakai.
Speaking to Verity News, the Head of the Presidential Special Initiative, Madam Mamasa D. Kamara, representing President Boakai, said the materials are being distributed to schools in all eight administrative districts of the county. She explained that the items are intended specifically for students and underprivileged individuals and must reach the rightful beneficiaries.
Madam Kamara named some of the donated items as team jerseys, female school shoes, and clothing for female teachers, which are being distributed across the 17 selected schools.
She noted that President Boakai has always been passionate about improving the lives of students throughout Liberia, emphasizing that his administration is committed to accountability and transparency in delivering support to citizens.
According to Kamara, the project is currently in its first phase and covers nine counties, including Rivercess, Grand Bassa, Bong, Lofa, Gbarpolu, Bomi, Grand Gedeh, and River Gee. She added that more counties will benefit as additional resources become available.
Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Education and the Rivercess County School System, County Education Officer Artscolston Dorgbain expressed gratitude to President Boakai and the donor for including Rivercess among the first beneficiaries.
Dorgbain said the initiative is timely and will help increase school enrollment in the next academic year. He explained that many students have dropped out due to the lack of basic school materials, with some going to gold camps while others remain at home without attending school.
He warned that the dropout rate is increasing daily, creating a serious challenge for the education sector in the county. However, he expressed optimism that the donation would encourage students, especially girls, to return to school and remain in class.
“This initiative removes many excuses from students who left school because of lack of materials. Now they have reason to come back and continue their education,” Dorgbain said.
