By Myean D. Torgbean
Monrovia – April 5, 2026
Dozens of students and faculty members from Acres of Hope Academy in Paynesville have toured the Freeport of Monrovia, gaining firsthand knowledge of Liberia’s maritime gateway and its role in the national economy.
The educational visit, which took place on April 3, brought together approximately 67 students and staff as part of the school’s industrial field trip program aimed at exposing learners to real-world institutions and operations.
The group was received by Dawoda Bility, Senior Director for Governmental and International Affairs at the National Port Authority (NPA), who welcomed the delegation on behalf of NPA Managing Director Sekou A. M. Dukuly.
Mr. Bility told the students that the initiative forms part of the NPA’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts, which seek to engage young Liberians and broaden their understanding of key national institutions.
He emphasized Mr. Dukuly’s commitment to opening the doors of the port to students, describing the Freeport as “the gateway to the Liberian economy” and a critical hub for trade and development.
During the visit, students were taken on a guided tour of the port facilities, including APM Terminals Liberia and the NPA headquarters, where they were introduced to the operations of cargo handling, shipping logistics, and maritime services.
The tour provided participants with practical insights into how goods enter and leave the country, as well as the strategic importance of the port to Liberia’s economic stability.
Faculty members described the experience as both educational and inspiring, noting that such exposure helps bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world application.
The NPA has in recent years increased its outreach to schools and institutions as part of efforts to promote awareness, education, and youth engagement in national development.
