In Barwu Town, FDA & WCF Turnover Rehabilitated School plus Annex

By: D. Abraham Cooper, Sr| Grand Gedeh Correspondent

Barwu Town, Konobo, Grand Gedeh county |Monday, December 8,2025|In a significant ceremony marking a new dawn for education in Grand Gedeh County, the Wild Chimpanzee Foundation (WCF), in partnership with the Forestry Development Authority (FDA), over the weekend officially dedicated and turned over a newly renovated primary school building to the grateful residents of Barwu Town, Konobo Statutory District.

The primary school, which includes six fully renovated classrooms, is set to replace the dilapidated structure that has served the community since its establishment in 1960.

The Wild Chimpanzee Foundation (WCF) is primarily a non-profit conservation organization dedicated to protecting and ensuring the survival of wild chimpanzee populations and their habitats in West Africa. 

Their work is comprehensive and is built on a philosophy of three central pillars: Conservation, Education, and Research, all implemented in collaboration with and for the African people. 

Contribution in Brief

The Wild Chimpanzee Foundation is involved in a holistic approach to conservation that protects wildlife through direct enforcement and habitat preservation while simultaneously supporting local communities through education, alternative livelihoods, and essential infrastructure. 

 A Half-Century of Dilapidation Ends

The urgency of the renovation project was underscored by local authorities. Speaking at the dedication ceremony, Mr. Moses Cheawulu, Superintendent of Konobo Statutory District, lamented the previous state of the facility.

“This school, established way back in 1960, has been in a dilapidated and shameful condition for many decades,” Superintendent Cheawulu stated.

 “The sight of our children learning in that state was a heavy burden on the community.”

The Superintendent expressed profound gratitude to the WCF and FDA for their joint effort, commending their “level of collaboration and farsightedness” in delivering a lasting solution that brings palpable relief to parents and school-going children in the area.

Principal Hails ‘Generational Transformation’

The dedication ceremony was a vibrant affair, graced by representatives from the FDA, WCF authorities, local government, traditional leaders, parents, guardians, and the excited student body.

Mr. James T. Saydee, Principal of the Barwu Town Public School, offered a heartfelt appreciation, acknowledging the immense hard work of the WCF and FDA.

 He passionately spoke about the new facility’s potential, declaring that the school would not merely be a building, but a vital tool to “transform the life of the future generations” of Barwu Town.

However, Principal Saydee concluded his remarks with a crucial appeal, placing the issue of staff payment before the visiting dignitaries. He stressed that without a sustainable solution for teachers’ salaries, the school’s “continue operation” faces a significant impediment.

WCF Addresses Sustainability and Future Support

Responding to the community’s plea and celebrating the project’s completion was Dr. Annika Hillers, Country Representative of the Wild Chimpanzee Foundation.

Dr. Hillers applauded the entire community for their spirit of cooperation, noting that their dedication was instrumental in helping the renovation “dream come to reality.”

Addressing the critical issue of teacher salaries, Dr. Hillers provided clarity on the division of responsibility.

“The Ministry of Education is charged to do such. It is the fundamental responsibility of the Liberian Government,” she affirmed.

However, recognizing the school’s immediate needs, Dr. Hillers made a commitment to “have it discussed with partners,” though she cautiously noted that the foundation and its partners “can’t do the entire work for the Liberian government.”

She concluded by assuring the residents that the WCF’s commitment to the community remains strong. “As long as there is more support from the European Union, we will continue to do more in the community,” she promised; signaling the foundation’s sustained investment in conservation-linked community development.

The newly renovated school stands as a beacon of hope and a testament to the successful partnership between conservation efforts and local community empowerment in rural Liberia.