As a child, Isaac was homeless with no access to local schools, so he knows what it means for young Liberians to have a chance to learn.
Isaac Monah, Executive Director of Dougbe River Presbyterian School, reflects on his journey from being an orphan to transforming lives in Sanniehei district, Grand Gedeh county.
“I was once an orphan, homeless, with no high schools available. I had to travel outside to earn a higher education, and after many struggles, I came out with flying colours, pointing out a long-time vision in the district,” he says.
Dougbe River Presbyterian School is the only junior high in this rural district, but Isaac says the school is changing the mindset of children and elders.
“In the past years, many poor children grieve to achieve education, it was a very difficult time,” he recalls.
Operating in 12 villages in Sanniehei district, Grand Gedeh County, the school has received blessings from elders, including 166 acres of land. With this, the organisation is gradually developing in farming to produce food for the students and teachers, as well as building dormitories for the students and housing for the teachers.
“Now, we run a free school, and students are fed during their lunch period because not everybody could have someone in the city to send their children to school,” Isaac says.
“So, we try to do this to be able to give all the children in that area a better education. Presently, we have over 200 students attending.”
Isaac works closely with local elders, developing a curriculum in line with Liberia’s Ministry of Education, but it is MAF flights that bring people and supplies from the capital Monrovia to the isolated community.
Now, we run a free school, and students are fed during their lunch period because not everybody could have someone in the city to send their children to school.
“MAF flights have helped in bringing a long-time vision to success," he says.
“To God be the glory for MAF, and supplies and materials used for quality education for citizens within the district. The partnership is amazing.”
In the district, young girls are engaged at an early age which means many lose the opportunity to get an education, but that is changing.
“I have observed early marriage due to cultural practice. I cried when I was a little boy. The elders just take advantage of our sister rights and lead them in an early role as a mother without achieving a better education to forward their future dream,” Isaac says.
MAF flights have helped in bringing a long-time vision to success.
“Now, we have over 135 girls in the school, the school is like a safety camp for girls they run to seek refuge to earn a junior high certificate.
“After a junior high certificate, the students choose to attend any high school in the city and it’s free - the organisation takes care of the tuition.”
Isaac says the standard is so high that students at the school came first in the West African Examination Council system last year.
“Such achievements not only reflect the hard work and dedication of the students but also the commitment of the teachers and staff who support them,” he adds
“It's indeed something to be proud of, and may this success inspire even greater achievements in the future.”
Isaac says teachers and students are grateful for the support of MAF, which means a 30-minute flight can bring in necessary resources.
He said a recent journey to Nimba County showed how difficult travel is without a MAF flight. Of the planned 14-day trip, seven days were spent on the road.