FEED MY PEOPLE LIBERIA'S DISABILITY PROGRAMME:
Virginia School for the Deaf, Virginia, Liberia
Children 'signing' at FMPL sponsored school for the Deaf in Vitginia, Monrovia
NAME OF PROJECT: School for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
DURATION OF PROJECT: Started 2006.
SUMMARY OF THIS PROJECT: FMP has enabled 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, FMPUK funded some minor repair work at the school, in order for the school to re-open for the academic year 2005/6. Currently, 100 children, all of whom are deaf or hard of hearing, stay at this residential school and attend 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: Carrying out of basic repairs to the school building, in order for the school to re-open for the academic year 2005/6. Recruitment of 5 teachers (a mixture of deaf and hearing), 60% of whom are able to use sign language. Delivery of daily lessons to 100 pupils, who are all deaf or hard of hearing (ranging from nursery age to 6th grade).
FUTURE PLANS ON THIS PROJECT: The following new ideas were raised by the teachers in May 2007, as possible ideas for the future of the school: New kitchen and restaurant (this is currently half-built). Fence surrounding the school compound. Sports facilities and a playground. Vocational training, including sewing, computers, agriculture, etc. More classrooms, i.e. to teach beyond 6th grade. The vision is to create productive people in society, who graduate from this school. Staff houses. Teaching of sign language to parents and all staff. Books on sign language. Health clinic on site. Increase school from 8th grade to 12th grade.
IMPACT OF PROJECT TO DATE: 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).
Are photos of this project available? If so, where? Yes, on the gallery page of our website under 'Disability Programme'