Former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf on Monday, February 2, 2026 visited the Clar Hope Foundation’s City of Hope Academy in Marshall, Margibi County, expressing strong feeling for the Foundation. She noted that the initiative that former first lady Clar Marie Weah took is a great idea and humanitarian initiative to public support.
Former President Sirleaf toured the foundation’s compound, classrooms and the children’s bedrooms, and interacted with students and praised the project’s impact on the girls.
She described the students as very smart and doing well in the school. However, the former President said she would not say anything for now, but that she was impressed with what she saw.
The former First Lady, Clar Marie Weah, speaking, said her commitment to empowering underprivileged girls through the foundation and the initiative is beyond political office or party but in the best interest of the country.
Former First Lady Weah noted that the City of Hope Academy appreciates the former President, and that her presence, humility and life-long commitment to education, peace, support for women and children has continued to inspire hope and purpose in the communities.
“We are grateful that your visit brought smiles on the faces of these beautiful kids. It is a moment they will forever remember,” Clar Weah observed.
She said during her tenure as first lady she was determined not to limit herself to only being First Lady, but also to serving humanitarian duties.
Also speaking, Jackson P. Gbamie, General Manager of the Clar Hope Foundation, said the foundation was officially launched on June 9, 2018, at the SKD Sports Complex following a pre-launch earlier that month. He said the foundation’s construction began in June 2019 and was expected to be completed within two years; however, due to funding constraints, the project is now about 92% completed.
According to him, in 2025 the Clar Hope Foundation held its first graduation ceremony and transitioned ten students from kindergarten to first grade, making the initiative a success.
He said since the transition in 2024 after the general and presidential elections, the Foundation has continued collaborating with the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, and the ministry attended the opening of the foundation on August 14, 2024.
On behalf of the students, student Roseline said the visit of former President Sirleaf really makes them happy as students, and they will forever be grateful for an important visit to the foundation. She then presented flowers to the former president.
