Provide a quality education for girls in Liberia

We are very excited to update our supporters on the progress we've made over the past few months, despite the challenges of the global pandemic. When Liberia was pronounced to be coronavirus-free, the Government of Liberia declared that all school activities should resume so students could complete the academic year. Rather than wait for the next academic year to begin, the Jennifer Albee Enrichment School (JAES) launched its first vacation program for girls in the elementary division on September 9, 2020.

Classes began with four girls and over a period of just a month and a half, increased to 22 students. The girls range in age from 10 to 14 years old and for fifteen percent of the students, this is their first time ever being enrolled in school.

The girls are taught basic reading, spelling, writing, English, and phonics, as many Liberian children have poor reading habits and skills. In addition to basic academic lessons, the girls are being taught craft-making, such as turning beads into fashion and other waste items into reusable household products.

As a GEM-Liberia program, JAES gained recognition when the girls participated in Liberia's International Day of the Girl Child celebrations. GEM-Liberia and JAES, also celebrated their own Day of the Girl Child on October 16, 2020 at the school's campus with parents in attendance. 

JAES will begin registration for the academic year by November, while we wait for the government to declare the official date for the opening of all schools for the next academic year. Starting with vacation school classes helped generate interest in the school and excitement from the girls and their families. We are all looking forward to starting a full school year soon!

Dear Friends,

Over the last few months, GEM Liberia, like all other organizations around the globe, has faced some challenges due to COVID19. The pandemic has tried to keep us all on pause, but no matter what, we must keep moving.

As you know from our last report, a location for the Jennifer Albee Enrichment School had been secured, repairs to the building were underway, and plans for summer classes was in the works. Then the pandemic hit, schools were closed abruptly, and stay-at-home orders were put in place. We wanted to keep the momentum going as best we could, given the circumstances.

Soon after the shutdown began, we placed an announcement for virtual learning. We knew it would be a challenge for many, but we wanted to try. Unfortunately, not even 5% of our social media users are familiar with technology such as Zoom. Almost all parents are total strangers to this and found it too difficult manage. Buying data for online learning also proved to be a challenge. As soon as the country reopens, we plan to offer an in-person reading program while we prepare for the next academic year.

We have used this time to begin construction of the GEM Liberia website. This website will afford all of you the opportunity to see GEM's work live online and follow the progress we are making with your money to provide quality education for girls in Liberia. We have never been this visible in previous years, and we say that we would not have that much visibility without your support. Thank you.

Another exciting advancement is that just before the pandemic hit, we purchased land that will eventually be the permanent home of the school, freeing us from burden of ever-increasing rent. In the shorter-term, the land will be used for farming, creating a source of income for the school, providing opportunities to local farmers, and addressing food security concerns by providing nutritious food for the students. As stay-at-home orders are lifted, we are starting to clear the land and prepare it for the next farming season.

We know that girls are particularly at risk of not returning to school after a crisis like this global pandemic so the need to protect girls’ education is more important than ever. Thank you once again to everyone who continues to support the project. You are all wonderful examples of love.

We wish you and your loved ones good health.

Regards,

Davidetta Togba-Cassell

Founder and Executive Director

Links:

• Germinating Every Mind Liberia New website under construction.