About a month ago, the Minister of State for Presidential Affairs, on behalf of President George M. Weah, launched the “Education for All” Scholarship Program in Bong and Nimba counties, with the hope of encouraging parents to send their children to school and retaining the ones already enrolled. Over the weekend, Minister McGill extended the initiative to Grand Bassa County, arriving to a rousing welcome from the students and elders of the county.
Over the one-month period, the scholarship fund drive has realized an enormous support from the Friends of McGill based in the United States and Liberia, business owners, companies and officials of government with vested interest in education, with Grand Bassa County receiving a whopping US$1 million as its share of the President’s initiative.
The amount, which was raised through donations, is aimed at aiding struggling primary and secondary students to have the opportunity to enroll in school, and is expected to benefit, mostly, all public school students in Buchanan and its surrounding areas for the next academic year.
Speaking at the launch of the Education For All Scholarship Fund Drive at the famous Fair Ground, Buchanan, on Friday, December 3, 2021, Minister McGill, who proxy for President Weah, said, “The President wants to help you our students. He is not only concerned about creating a conducive learning environment for few of you who are privileged to learn but to also increase enrollment.”
To ensure transparent and accountable supervision, Minister McGill disclosed that the money will be deposited in an accounted, with each representative from the students, county administration, county and district education officers being a signatory to the account.
According to him, the designated individuals, along with Grand Bassa County Superintendent, Janjay Baikpeh, will work along with the schools and benefiting students to rollout the scholarship program.
Meanwhile, students and officials of Grand Bassa County have lauded the launch of President Weah’s scholarship in the county, stating that enrollment in schools is expected to increase significantly in the county due to the launch of the scholarship.
Grand Bassa County Superintendent, Janjay Baikpeh, said the students are overwhelmed by the provision of the scholarship, which will ease the constraints of going to school.
Also speaking, Representative Mathew Joe thanked President Weah through Minister McGill for extending the scholarship program to Grand Bassa County.
Representative Joe lauded the residents of Buchanan for turning out in their numbers to welcome Minister McGill.
In a related development, Minister McGill has promised to disburse an initial L$5 million from a total L$10 million to business women in the county for empowerment purpose. He said the money, which will be given as loan, is intended to enhance their businesses and improve their livelihood.