Ganta, Nimba county: The Franklin Duarto Charity Foundation has presented L$30,000 to support the purchase of school uniforms and gear for six selected students enrolled at the For Life Zoe Vocational Training Program.
The support follows an earlier intervention by the Lao Development Association (LAODA), which successfully lobbied Nimba County Senator Nya Twayen Jr. to cover the full tuition for six young people from the Meinpea-Mah Administrative District.
Presenting the donation on behalf of the Foundation’s Chief Executive Officer, Franklin Duarto, the Country Coordinator of the foundation, Mr. Clarence Kpayele, said the organization was motivated by LAODA’s efforts to provide vocational opportunities for young people in the district.“We’ve come here in solidarity with what LAODA is doing to have some students trained at the For Life Zoe Vocational Training Institute. We heard their request that the students needed uniforms, so on behalf of the Franklin Duarto Charity Foundation we brought 30,000 Liberian dollars to support the leadership of LAODA,” Kpayele said.
He explained that each student is required to purchase a uniform costing slightly above US$40, and the foundation decided to contribute toward meeting that need.Kpayele described the contribution as an initial support, noting that the foundation is willing to continue assisting the students whenever resources are available. “As long as the students remain in school and there is need for help, we will continue to support them when the foundation has the resources. They are our people, and we admire the effort being made to create opportunities for our younger brothers and sisters,” he added.
Receiving the donation on behalf of the association, LAODA President Alvin Senneh expressed appreciation to the Duarto Charity Foundation for the timely intervention. “First of all, I want to extend my sincere appreciation to the Duarto Foundation family for this support. I can assure them that the 30,000 Liberian dollars will be used for the intended purpose,” Senneh said.
Senneh explained that his leadership has been actively engaging leaders and humanitarian organizations to promote human resource and infrastructure development within the district.
According to him, during discussions with Senator Nya Twayen Jr., twelve deserving students, six from the Lao community and six from Zahn were identified for vocational training. The senator later committed to paying the tuition for six students, while the students were expected to handle their uniforms and other basic requirements.
He added that the association has continued to lobby individuals and organizations to support the remaining needs of the students.“Our lobbying will not stop. We will continue engaging humanitarian organizations, leaders, and partners so that development and opportunities can reach our people,” Senneh emphasized.
The LAODA president also encouraged other humanitarian organizations and stakeholders within Nimba County’s Ninth Electoral District to support initiatives that promote education and skills training, noting that such efforts can help reduce poverty and improve the lives of young people in the district.
