County Council Inspects School Project with One Teacher for 40 Students

By: Henry B. Gboluma, Jr.| Gbarpolu County Correspondent

Wayama Town, Bokomu District—Wednesday, June 23, 2025-In Gbarpolu County, efforts to improve education infrastructure and support local schools are ongoing, despite numerous challenges.

Recently, on June 15, 2025, the County Council, led by Chairperson Lucia Massaquoi, conducted an inspection of the ongoing Wayama Public School project in Bokomu District. The visit aimed to assess progress and highlight the pressing needs of the school community.

This school project, funded through the County and Social Development Funds (CSDF), is part of the county’s broader initiative to strengthen the education sector and provide better learning environments for children.

At the center of these efforts is Mr. Papay Knight, a dedicated volunteer who serves as the Acting Principal, registrar, and the only teacher at Wayama School.

With 40 students ranging from ABC to third grade, Mr. Knight is managing a monumental task, teaching all grades in a three unfriendly classrooms environment.

“Teaching here is very stressful,” Mr. Knight said. “We had a principal, but I think some incidents took place, and he had to leave.”

When quizzed about the project, he said, “The only thing I can tell you is that they called me, saying they are coming this week. We even finished packing rocks and sand, but they have not come yet.”

Despite limited resources, such as inadequate prepared classrooms, furniture, and teaching staff, Mr. Knight remains committed to providing quality education.

“Where in this world have you seen one person teaching from A, B, C to third grade? But it’s happening here,” he explained. “We are having problems with the teaching system, but I do my best for these children.”

When asked about the school’s current state, Bokomu District Education Officer (DEO) Samuel Flomo said, “I took over as DEO last year, in 2024. There are a few schools I am struggling with, including this one,” he said that the principal here disappeared due to an alleged rape case, and I had to step in.

“I even used my own $3,000 LD to keep the school open while we search for qualified teachers, he said, “So for the upcoming academic year, I am fighting to increase the number of teachers in Wayama. It is a priority to ensure the children receive proper instruction and support.”

As for the Acting Principal, Mr. Knight, he said, “I agree because teaching is my passion. Even though it is very stressful, I accepted this role to serve the interests of our children.”

He described the school environment as “not conducive for learning,” pointing out the lack of proper classrooms, furniture, and blackboards. “I am using three classrooms for all grades. The most urgent need is for the government and contractor to complete the building so the children can learn in a safe, comfortable environment.”

The school’s construction, which began in 2017 with funding from the CSDF, comprised of nine classrooms, four offices, two bathrooms, and an auditorium.

To complete this project, in 2024, the County Council approved $16,427 USD.

Recently, 40% of that amount was disbursed to Dolphin Construction Company, the contractor responsible for the project.

However, progress has been slow. Mathew Jallah, representative of Dolphin Construction, said, “We mobilized and started work when we were told to pre-finance the project three months ago, but we had to de-mobilize because we didn’t have clear payment plans.”

He added that, “We are mobilizing again to resume work this week, which will be our second attempt this year.”

Meanwhile, Mr. Knight has expressed frustration over the delays, saying, “It’s surprising to know that the contractor got some money again but has not started work in almost a month. This is very frustrating, especially for the children who are eager to learn.”

Describing the current school conditions, he said, “This school has limited armchairs, blackboards, and no concrete floors, so we have to mix grades in a few classrooms.”

He said that when the children come to school in uniform, they often go home dusty because the work the building work had not finished. “Their parents have to wash their clothes every day,” he concluded.

Town Chief Junior S. Bono confirmed that the contractor contacted them requesting help with sand and rocks.

“We worked with our people for two days to help pack the materials,” he said. “If they waste more time, heavy rains could scatter everything, and our labor will be wasted. We are urging the local government to use their influence to push the contractor to finish the project promptly.”

Lucia Massaquoi, Chairperson of the Gbarpolu County Council, assured that the council would continue to monitor all ongoing projects closely. “We are inspecting all projects and providing feedback to ensure they are completed on time,” she stated. “Our commitment is to serve the best interests of Gbarpolu’s development and ensure transparency and accountability in every step.”

About the County and Social Development Funds (CSDF):

The CSDF was established by the Liberian government to support sustainable development projects across counties. The fund aims to improve infrastructure, health, education, and community services, ultimately enhancing citizens’ quality of life and fostering long-term growth.

Edited: Jesefu Morris Keita |Editor-In-Chief