On November 22, 2019, the Kids’ Educational Engagement project, (KEEP), with support from the international Bank, Liberia Limited, turned over a fully rehabilitated and furnished reading room to the administration of the A. Glenn Tubman Elementary school at 12th street, Sinkor, Monrovia.
The room provides 1176 students access to over 1500 leisure reading books as well as textbooks and can accommodate up to 68 students at any given time.
During the dedicatory ceremony, the administration of the A. Glenn Tubman Elementary school appreciated KEEP and the International Bank,(IB) Liberia Limited for the initiative and promised to use the facility to the fullest. The Principal, Mr. Paye proudly noted: “We have the most beautiful reading room within the Monrovia Consolidated School System and it is reliant upon us to make it the best.” There were several speakers at the program who praised KEEP and IB for the initiative.
In her remarks, the Executive Director of KEEP, Mrs. Brenda B. Moore, encouraged the community especially the parents to encourage their children to make maximum use of the facility. “Reading has been a challenge for our children in Liberia. Let’s encourage them to read.” She said. Mrs. Moore said it takes strength and courage to find partners to provide financial support to what we are doing and as such we should maximize the usage of these facilities. She said that there are many programs that go along with the weekly reading sessions which KEEP offers that includes computer literacy programs, provision of school supplies and micro loans for parents especially mothers, etc.
She noted those programs will only follow based on how the administration, parents and students make use of the facility. Mrs. Moore, on behalf of KEEP extended thanks and appreciations to the management of the International Bank (IB) Liberia Limited, for the support and further encourage the bank to continue the partnership in years ahead as many children still need them.
Also important to note, in memory of her mother, Mrs. Alice Fernadez who passed away in June 2019, Madam Betty Fez donated $3100 to supporting reading activities at the room for a year.
Meanwhile, the representative of the IB present during the program, Mrs. Etta Norman appreciated KEEP for being a good, trusted and reliable partner. She noted “It takes few local organizations to reach this milestone”. She said. Mrs. Norman than encouraged the students to use the facility for the purpose intended. “Our support will continue by helping to conduct some reading sessions some days.” She ended.
Activities in the room will not only be limited to reading but also research center for students in secondary grade levels and also computer literacy program and brings to 15 the number of reading centers KEEP has established in 3 years.
