River Gee: Liberian journalist calls for establishment of institutions of higher learning

A prominent citizen of River Gee County, Liberian journalist Ben TC Brooks, is urging lawmakers of his homeland to make what he terms a crucial decision on proposed bills aimed at establishing two institutions of higher learning in the county.

Brooks, a native of Gbeapo electoral District #2, River Gee County, has meanwhile expressed gratitude for the dedication shown by lawmakers of the county, in promoting initiatives that address local educational needs.

However, he emphasized the urgent need for River Gee’s current legislators to clearly articulate what he calls the county’s educational goals.

“Should we support the transformation of the current Vocational Training Institute into a Technical College, or advocate for the creation of a new Community College?” Brooks quipped, pointing out that both paths present distinct advantages, but he calls for a comprehensive discussion among lawmakers to derive a well-informed decision.

Recently, River Gee County Senator Francis Saidy Dopoh, II submitted a bill aimed at amending and restating the Act that established the River Gee Vocational and Technical Training Institute, proposing that it be renamed River Gee Technical College.

River Gee electoral District #1 lawmaker in the House of Representatives, Rep Alexander Poure, for his part, also introduced a bill advocating for the establishment of a new community college in the county.

As discussions regarding both legislative instruments reach an advanced stage, journalist Brooks stressed the importance of unity and cooperation among the county’s lawmakers, noting that obtaining government’s support for two separate institutions of higher learning might be challenging in light of the current educational framework in River Gee.

He’s proposing innovative approaches aimed at addressing the issue, stressing that the call for enhanced educational resources in River Gee County is non-partisan.

Presently, a Vocational and Technical Training Institute operates in River Gee County, catering to nearly 300 students who are engaged in various one-year professional training programs including auto mechanics, agriculture, construction, among others

River Gee County, located in southeastern Liberia, has a population of 124,653, according to the 2022 National Housing and Population Census. The county is home to six high schools, with most of such institutions being faced with the challenge of poor infrastructural development.