Students from Grace Christian Academy visited MAF’s premises for a hands-on learning experience in air transportation, where they observed key airport processes.
Story by Rachel Gwole George
Students from Grace Christian Academy visited MAF’s premises for a hands-on learning experience in air transportation, where they observed key airport processes.
A group of 50 girls and boys left the classroom for a four-hour drive to Liberia's capital Monrovia, where they swapped theory lessons for a practical look at aviation with MAF.
Ruth Varney, a seventh-grade student, appreciated the opportunity to see exciting career options at James Spriggs Payne Airport.
“It is my first time coming to the city and it was because of the field trip seeing, MAF plane with my own eyes. I have had a different knowledge that has made a difference,” she said.
“My visit to the airport has changed my thought of becoming a nurse, I wish I have the opportunity to always visit MAF to learn new things.”
It is my first time coming to the city and it was because of the field trip seeing, MAF plane with my own eyes
It is a challenge keeping girls in class in rural areas where early marriage is a concern for school like Grace Christian Academy
“Cultural pressures also impact attendance particularly for girls,” said Principal Elkanah Cheabow.
“Early marriage is a serious challenge that is affecting young girls from achieving a better education.
“They get marry at the early age without knowing what they are getting into due to the tradition of the county.”
Mr Cheabow, who was among those students, taking part in the field trip to see how, MAF promotes education, healthcare, and spiritual support across Liberia.
“Choosing MAF for a tour wasn’t a mistake today viewing the flight pick-up and landing, I admire the reception from the staff, pilot and the airport security,” said Mr Cheabow.
“The smile on the face of the students even myself, I’ve been here before but coming here today with them, I feel fulfilled.
“I do admire MAF’s work especially, giving hope, smiles, and happiness to people in isolated areas it gives me more joy and that’s why I chose MAF for a field trip.
“I am proud having MAF in Liberia and if I can recall, I think MAF is the only domestic flight in Liberia that fly in the rural areas, without MAF being here we wouldn’t have reached such level of hope.”
I do admire MAF’s work especially, giving hope, smiles, and happiness to people in isolated areas it gives me more joy and that’s why I chose MAF for a field trip.
The school is outside of the capital, which makes travelling difficult. Grace Christian Academy currently operates from nursery through 11th grade, with plans to expand to senior class.
“A lot of them come from villages, and they have to come to a central area for senior high school,” he said. “Travelling by car is very challenging.
“Our hope is to become a full senior class next year.”
