By: Ben TC Brooks | River Gee Correspondent
River Gee County | May 1, 2026 | The Kids Educational Engagement Project – KEEP-Liberia, has taken a major step toward improving literacy in southeastern Liberia with commissioning of two modern reading rooms in River Gee County, alongside a substantial donation of books and furniture to two public schools.
The newly established reading facilities are located at the Gee Foundation and Demonstration Schools in Fish-Town, the county capital.
Report indicate that the two institutions currently host more than 1,000 pupils during the 2025/2026 academic year, as many previously had limited access to structured reading spaces.
The commissioning ceremony, held on Thursday, April 30, marks a key milestone in KEEP-Liberia’s broader mission to promote literacy and improve educational infrastructure across the country.
The organization aims to equip both public and private schools with safe, well-furnished, and resource-rich environments that encourage reading and learning.
The two reading rooms described as mini-libraries, have been stocked with a wide range of educational materials valued at over US$4,000.
These include reading and mathematics textbooks, English language materials, storybooks, alphabet guides, dictionaries, flashcards, and early learning tools such as the popular “200 First Words” book.
In addition to the books, KEEP-Liberia has also donated 100 armchairs to ensure students have a comfortable and conducive space for reading.
The cost of establishing the facilities is estimated at approximately US$6,500.
Education stakeholders say the intervention is expected to improve students’ reading habits and academic performance by providing access to structured and engaging learning resources.
Principal of Gee Foundation School, T. Hne Giplay, expressed deep appreciation on behalf of the beneficiary institutions, noted that access to quality reading materials has long been a challenge for schools in the area.
“We are committed to ensuring these reading rooms remain operational daily and that all materials are properly cared for,” he assured.
Representatives of the Parent-Teacher Association – PTA, who attended the event also voiced their gratitude, highlighting the financial relief the donation brings to families who often struggle to provide learning materials for their children.
Representing the Ministry of Education, River Gee County Education Officer, Jallah Sammy described the project as a major boost to the county’s education system.
“If you were to open my heart, you would find that I am the happiest person here, because one who reads is knowledgeable,” Sammy said.
He stressed that the facilities are currently the only dedicated reading rooms for children in the county and praised KEEP-Liberia for complementing government efforts.
“KEEP-Liberia has gone beyond supporting us; they have eased a major burden on school authorities in River Gee County,” he added.
Sammy further assured that the education office will monitor the use and maintenance of the reading rooms and disclosed plans to collaborate with schools to showcase students’ progress through local radio programs.
During remarked, KEEP-Liberia Program Coordinator Amos Doe thanked donors and partners for their continued support and reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to expanding literacy programs across Liberia.
Doe stressed the importance of extending the program to underserved areas, calling on parents, educators, and policymakers to work together in fostering a strong reading culture among children.
The latest expansion in River Gee County represents another milestone in KEEP-Liberia’s mission to improve educational outcomes and nurture lifelong learning among young Liberians.
As the organization continues to grow its network of reading spaces, stakeholders remain hopeful that such interventions will play a vital role in shaping a more literate and empowered generation.
Meanwhile, school authorities and community dwellers who attended the program welcomed the initiative with enthusiasm, describing it as a transformative development for the county’s education sector.
At the close of each ceremony, pupils erupted in joy with singing, clapping, and laughing as they settled into their seats to explore storybooks and practice counting exercises.
The lively scene also created a memorable moment that delighted not only the students but also brought visible pride and happiness to school administrators and parents alike.
However, since its establishment in 2016, KEEP-Liberia has developed several mini-libraries nationwide.
