FEED MY PEOPLE (FMP) EDUCATION PROGRAMME:
Point 4 School, Point 4, Monrovia, Liberia
Happy pupil at Point 4 School, Monrovia, Liberia
NAME OF PROJECT: Point 4 School
DURATION OF FMP FUNDING: June 2006 - 2008
SUMMARY OF THIS PROJECT: This project began in June 2006, with the renovation of a run-down school in the Point 4 region of Monrovia. After completion of the new building, the school opened in October 2006, with a new, clean and attractive school compound. 20 staff provided primary and secondary education to 453 children at this school, in one of the poorest areas of Monrovia.
KEY BENEFICIARIES OF PROJECT: 453 pupils between nursery and 9th grade, and the families of the school children. In the 2006/7 academic year, there were 212 children in the elementary division, 212 in primary and 29 in the junior high section of the school.
GOAL OF PROJECT: In December 2005, during the assessments carried out at Smile Too Christmas parties, it was discovered that there were children in the Point four communities who did not enjoy any form of education. Therefore, the Point 4 school was renovated and opened to serve this community and these children, giving access to education for children from kindergarten to grade 9.
KEY ACTIVITIES OF THIS PROJECT: FMP assisted in the rebuilding of a dilapidated school, including the completion of 7 self-contained classrooms, an auditorium for feeding the children (which is also used as 3 classrooms in the morning), an office for staff and an open central area where children can play. The school employed 20 qualified teaching staff and enrolled 453 students in the academic year of 2006/7 (this was the first operational year of this school). Provision of on-going support to the school staff, to assist them in providing a high standard of education to children from kindergarten to 9th grade, five days a week. Provision of a water tap in the kitchen. Construction of 3 separate toilets for boys, girls and teachers, at the rear of the school.
IMPACT OF PROJECT: Many more children in Point 4 attended school. There are still more children out of school, than in school, (approximately 55-60% of children in Point 4 don’t attend school) but at least more children in Point 4 now have access to education, and a regular daily meal, than they did before this school opened in September 2006. Creation of employment for 20 teachers An increased literacy rate amongst children in Point 4.
QUOTES FROM PEOPLE AT THE PROJECT: “I like our school building and the lessons are good. There is enough space and the appearance of the school is good. I would also like sports facilities at the school, textbooks and a library in the future.” (8th Grade Student, Point 4 School)