By Lincoln G. Peters
The People’s Republic of China through its Embassy near Monrovia has constructed and turned over a primary school to authorities in Maryland County, southeast Liberia.
It is the first primary public school in the township of Tobeyville, Harper District, Maryland County.
The signing and handing over ceremony took place in the conference hall of the Chinese Embassy in Congo Town, Monrovia, on Friday, 27 January 2023.
The ceremony brought together several government officials including prominent citizens of Maryland County.
Making remarks, Chinese Ambassador to Liberia Ren Yisheng said the newly constructed Tobeyville Primary Public School is a gift from the Government of the People’s Republic of China.
Amb. Ren stressed that children represent the future of a nation, and their education is important.
The school occupied a floor area of 187.6 square meters with one teacher’s office and five classrooms.
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It has three bathrooms and supporting facilities to host at least 100 students. Amb. Ren put the total cost of the project at US$70, 000 with US$10, 000 coming from CHICO Liberia.
Ambassador Ren recounted that about two years ago, he arrived here as the 6th Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Liberia since the end of the civil conflict in 2003.
He said Representative P. Mike Jurry visited him and raised standing request for the Chinese Government to consider helping to construct a primary school.
According to Ambassador Ren, he forwarded the request of Representative Jurry back to China with positive recommendations.
At the beginning of 2022, he said it was confirmed that the request was approved with a budget of US$60, 000.
Continuing, the Chinese Envoy termed the construction of the school as an ongoing process to accommodate more students in the future.
Of the five classrooms, he noted that one was donated by CHICO Liberia.
He assured Representative Jurry that after this, the Chinese Embassy will continue to work with his district to support the development of the school to include its expansion, and equipment, including provision of chairs and desks.
The Ambassador added that China and Liberia are good friends and have been supporting each other ever since the establishment of their diplomatic core in February 1977.
For his part, P. Mike Jurry, Representative of Harper District, Maryland County, seemed very impressed and said the construction of the public primary school in the town is a way to curb the extreme vulnerability of children.
“In my mind, the availability of the public primary school creates future prospects to developing their potentials and chances of being good future leaders,” he said.
“On the basis of justice, the school will enable children in New Kru Town of Maryland to develop into future outstanding personalities.”
Also making remarks, Wu Zhenjiao, Managing Director of CHICO Liberia said his company is privileged to have the opportunity to make its contribution in the establishment of the Tobeyville Primary School.
Mr. Zhenjiao mentioned that the facility is not a major construction project by money, but they are aware of the importance of the school for the future of the local children and community. –Edited by Winston W. Parley
