The Grand Bassa County Project Management Committee (PMC) has announced the completion of a modern teachers’ quarter in Wee-Statutory District, Grand Bassa County.
The project, named “St. John Community School Teachers’ Quarter”, is funded from the ArcelorMittal’s 20 percent development fund which is allotted to communities closest to its operational areas.
The cost of the quarter is put at US$98,000. It is built with the capacity to host about eight teachers and their families, according to the Grand Bassa County Project Management Committee.
St. John Town, the benefiting community, which forms the border with Bong County is an important railway community next to Frank Diggs Town where ArcelorMittal recently constructed a children’s playground.
On Thursday, Grand Bassa County Project Committee Chairman, Moses Henry, posted on Facebook the celebration of the completion of the teachers’ quarter, and described it as “another milestone”.
Henry said, “Another milestone project being completed (Teachers’ Quarter) St. John Community, Wee Statutory District, Grad Bassa County. We are going small.
“Let me say a big thank you to our critics. They are helping us. Let them continue,” he added.
The Bassa Project Committee Chair thanked ArcelorMittal Liberia, the county legislative caucus, Superintendent Janjay Baikpeh and members of the PMC “for their support”.
Teachers in rural Liberia lack dwelling places, the practical resources and knowledge needed to run a successful classroom.
Housing facility is a form of compensation, some advocates believe, that could ensure teachers stay in the profession to prepare the next generation.
Teacher-centered housing communities are grossly absent across Liberia, and this project sprung up in rural Liberia by the funding of ArcelorMittal will build on the premise that quality of life and quality of housing can be a draw even when poor teachers can afford something.