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Report from EHS/EES (Liberia) to the 14 th . Annual Convention Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota.
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Report from EHS/EES (Liberia) to the 14th. Annual ConventionMinneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota
BACKGROUNDOur Organization, as it exists in Liberia today, is finally on a path of constructive collective engagement that is yielding results and positive benefits that are essential, as we continue on this journey of reconstructing our beloved institutions of learning in Robertsport, Grand Capemount County. Our challenges, while numerous, are not insurmountable. We have regularized our status as a non-profit association, conducted our elections, and are on the path of conducting our affairs in a manner that is representative of focused and principled alumni. Our collective resolve to continue our collaboration as “One EHS/EES Alumni Association” was prudent and wise; we are already benefiting from this collaboration and bond. We thank you.
Homecoming 2012On June 30, 2012 we congregated in Robertsport with friends, donors, and the local community to hold an historic Homecoming and fundraising event under the theme “Restoring Quality.” This event was extremely successful. Total collections and contributions were: Lonestar Communications Foundation $50,000 Emanuel Shaw Foundation $25,000 Cash + checks $ 1,826 Pledges $ 3,420 Total $80,246Contributions/grants from LoneStar Foundation and Shaw foundation are earmarked specifically for construction projects; there will be no cash deposits. Modalities for accessing funds for specific projects are being worked out. The funds are guaranteed.
EHS 2012 GraduationAll seniors passed WAEC ExamsFive students graduated
STAFFING AND SALARIESOur subsidy to salaries for teachers and staff at both EHS and EES continues to fill a critical void; this must be continued. Without our teachers and staff, our mission and vision will not be realized. It is clear that the Diocese is experiencing severe financial difficulties, and is counting on us to continue to fill this gap.Current staffing:EES 13EHS 15Total 28
RECONSTRUCTIONOur reconstruction initiatives have been sparse. While we have completed a few projects, we must now double our efforts to begin robust reconstruction projects with the funding that has been secured from our donors. Additionally, we must continue to explore every avenue in the world to bring attention to the importance of the institutions while indicating the need for additional funding for our work. The reconstruction initiatives will be capital intensive, and will require the collective participation from all members, regardless of our geographical locations.
Campus Security for St. John’s & House of BethanyThe need for security on both campuses is critical, especially with the commencement of shipment of equipment and supplies. Details are being worked out with regard to staffing, training, equipment, and funding. We will present the findings, and look forward to implementation with your collaboration.
EHS/EES BOARD OF DIRECTORS • May 2, 2012– Meeting of Bishop of Episcopal Diocese of Liberia, Episcopal Diocese Boards of Education and Trustees, the Minister of Education, and members of EHS/EES Alumni Association. • 1. The proposal to accept funding/assistance from GOL to rehabilitate the facilities at both St. Johns' and Bethany campuses is accepted in principle by all parties. An MOU will be developed with the guidance of Counselor Varney Sherman (assisted by Muana Ville). • 2, The general consensus is that the Alumni Association of EHS/EESdoes not "take over" the administration of the schools, but that adedicated Board of Trustees is selected and approved by the Diocese tooversee all aspects of the running of the schools; the Board membershave been selected. The establishment of the Board will be formalizedin a document and authenticated by the Diocese. An MOU will be developed with the guidance of Counselor Varney Sherman(assisted by Muana Ville).
EHS/EES BOARD OF DIRECTORS • 3. Gyude Bryant's suggestion to temporarily suspend activities at thethe High School while placing more emphasis on the Elementary Schoolwas not generally accepted. • 4. Rehabilitation of all facilities should be carried out in phases. • Members of the Board: Dr. Eugene H. Shannon Chairman Dr. Emmet Dennis Vice Chairman Mrs. Dabah Varpilah Secretary Mr. Ernest Bruce Treasurer Ms. Elizabeth Dempster Chaplain Hon. Etmonia Tarpeh Member (GOL) Cllr. Varney Sherman Member
EHS/EES BOARD OF DIRECTORS • Members of the Board cont’d: Hon. Emanuel Shaw Member Mr. Abel Massallee Member Mrs. Joanna Paasewe Hill Member Hon. Gyude Bryant Member Mr. Anthony Deline Ex. Officio Mr. Mohammed Paasewe Ex. Officio Dr. Vu Golakai Member Dr. Jabaru Carlon Member • EHS/EES U.S. Chapter’s representation is needed on the Board.
SUMMARY • We have entered a new phase in the development of our Association. Liberia has also entered a new phase of development and reconstruction. The Government and people have come to realize the critical role that boarding schools have played in the development of Liberia, and the consensus is that boarding schools should, and must be reactivated; even with the assistance of Government. While we began our reconstruction efforts prior to this general consensus, we must now double our efforts to take advantage of every available opportunity to ensure the realization of our Mission and Vision; this can only be done with our collective efforts. I thank you. • QUESTIONS