FEED MY PEOPLE (FMP) DISABILITY PROGRAMME:
Virginia School for the Deaf, Virginia, Liberia
Children 'signing' at a School for the Deaf in Monrovia
NAME OF PROJECT: School for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
DURATION OF FMP FUNDING: 2005 - 2008
SUMMARY OF THIS PROJECT: Between 2005 and 2008, FMP assisted the only Government-recognised School for the Deaf in Liberia to re-open after the war, by providing much-needed support to the repair of the school and by contributing to the running costs of the school. The School has a large area of 5 hectares, which contains 6 classrooms and 12 bedrooms, all of which were heavily looted and damaged during the war. From 2005 onwards, FMP funded some repair work at the school, in order for the school to re-open for the academic year 2005/6. At the time of funding, 100 children, all of whom are deaf or hard of hearing, stayed at this residential school and attended classes 5 days a week.
KEY BENEFICIARIES OF PROJECT: 100 children (70 boys, 30 girls) between the ages of 6-25 years old.
GOAL OF PROJECT: To ensure children who are deaf and hard of hearing in Liberia have access to good quality education, of a high standard.
KEY ACTIVITIES OF THIS PROJECT: FMP assisted in carrying out repairs to the school building, in order for the school to re-open for the academic year 2005/6 and recruitment of several teachers (a mixture of deaf and hearing), 60% of whom are able to use sign language, which supported the delivery of daily lessons to 100 pupils, who are all deaf or hard of hearing (ranging from nursery age to 6th grade).
IMPACT OF PROJECT: Many children who are deaf or hard of hearing, have a residential school to attend in Monrovia, consisting of good quality education provided by trained teachers.
QUOTES FROM PEOPLE ON THE PROJECT: “We have started a small nursery at the school, and the children have planted cassava. We want to do so much more at the school, such as having sign language training, better books, skills training and new buildings. We want to help the children to become productive members of society.” (Teacher, School for the Deaf, August 2007) “I am so thankful for this school. I have 2 boys at the school and I am grateful for the support provided by FMP to help this school operate. I hope that this school will be raised to a higher level, and for vocational skills to be taught.” (Parent of 2 boys who attend the School for the Deaf, August 2007).