USAID/OTI Liberia Hot Topics
July 2004
U.S. Ambassador Joins Students in Reopening of University of Liberia
On July 13, U.S. Ambassador to Liberia John W. Blaney visited the University of Liberia and the Newport High School of Monrovia which had received assistance from LTI to help reestablish quality education. LTI’s assistance to both institutions resulted from an initial discussion with the Ambassador on the status of educational institutions in Monrovia. LTI engaged student groups from both the University and Monrovia-based high schools to clean up campuses and assist in rebuilding their facilities.
Much of the violence in 2003 that led to the ouster of President Taylor originated from student protests and caused significant damage to the university and schools of Monrovia. The LTI projects, led by the students, allowed for the reopening of the only public institution of higher learning that had been closed for more than one year due to the violence, and the refurbishment of five high schools.
Addressing the student groups, Ambassador Blaney said, “The US Government is depending upon you to take the lead in building a New Liberia, we can help, but you must take the future in your hands.” The Ambassador added, “The new Liberia is going to be a great place.”
LTI assisted the university students in the reconstruction of the Student Union Center, the sports complex and the main student classroom building. Additionally, LTI refurbished six buses that had been looted and left broken on campus. The buses now transport staff and students to and from campus. The newly painted buildings were decorated with murals of education and peace messages. These projects will benefit more than 21,000 university and high school students.
For further information, please contact:
In Washington: John Gattorn, Liberia Program Manager, 202-712-0716, jgattorn@usaid.gov
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