Bomi Students, Parents Praise Vacation Job Program As 375 Benefit from L$2M

By: Ernest Kpehe Moibah| Bomi County Correspondent

Tubmanburg, Bomi County-Sunday, August 24, 2025 As the 2025/2026 academic year draws closer, hope and relief have swept through dozens of households in Bomi County, thanks to an In-School Vacation Job program that empowered 375 students with financial support totaling over L$2 million.

Over the weekend, the short term initiative climaxed with each student receiving L$5,000, bringing the total student payout to L$1,875,000. In addition, 30 supervisors were each compensated L$5,000, amounting to L$150,000. Altogether, the program cost reached L$2,025,000, reflecting Senator Edwin Melvin Snowe’s sustained commitment to education and youth empowerment.

Students Express Gratitude, Call for Continuation

At payment centers across the county, students from schools including C.H. Dewey Central High, St. Dominic Catholic High, Sass Town Public School, Gertrude Yancy High, Cooper Town Public School, Jenneh Public School and Mano Plantation High expressed heartfelt appreciation.

“This money will help buy my school shoes and copybooks. We really thank Senator Snowe because things are hard these days,” said Esther Yorvee, a student from C.H. Dewey Central High School.

Others called for the initiative to become an annual program during school breaks, noting that many young people face financial barriers to returning to class.

Parents and Administrators Welcome Relief

Several school administrators and parents lauded the Senator’s gesture for reducing the financial pressure on families ahead of the new academic year.

“It’s not just money; it’s motivation for these children to stay in school,” remarked Mr. Roland Z. Seh, an administrator from Sass Town Public School.

CEO Highlights Impact on Education Goals

Speaking at the closing ceremony, County Education Officer (CEO) Sam Harris, who also serves as Vice Juror for the President in the education sector, described the program as timely and impactful.

“This initiative complements the government’s efforts to increase school enrollment, especially through the ‘Back to My Classroom’ project,” Harris said.

He further praised the Senator after learning that some students cleaned and beautified the Education Office compound, which he admitted had been a long-standing concern.

Coordinator Speaks on Vision Behind the Program

Daniel J.Z. Manneh, county coordinator for the vacation job program, revealed that the idea was to ease the burden on students during the school break and help them prepare for the upcoming academic year.

“It started as a dream, and today we have 375 students who can go back to school with less stress. Thanks to Senator Snowe for making this dream a reality,” Manneh told reporters.

Senator Snowe Pledges Continued Support

Responding to the commendations, Senator Edwin Snowe expressed appreciation to the County Education Office for coordinating the program and thanked students and school administrations for their participation.

“This program is part of my unwavering commitment to education in Bomi County. We will keep finding ways to support our youth because education is the foundation of development,” Snowe stated.

During the event, Senator Snowe also expressed gratitude to the Government of Liberia for allocating and fully disbursing District and County Development Funds to lawmakers nationwide.

He also disclosed that funds allocated under the District and County Development Funds are being directed toward key infrastructure projects, including:

• Construction of a modern basketball court
• Building of a new town hall in Sackie Town
• Establishment of a clinic in Weajor Town, Dowein District

A Step Forward for Education and Development

The collaboration between the Bomi County Education Office and Senator Snowe signals a renewed commitment to addressing both educational and community needs.

For many students, this L$5,000 support means new uniforms, copybooks, and registration fees a lifeline at a time when economic hardship continues to challenge families.

As the county looks ahead to the opening of the new school year, parents, educators, and local leaders hope that this vacation job initiative will become a permanent fixture, inspiring more students to stay in school and achieve their dreams.