By Moses J. Dawoe/Southeast Correspondent
Grand Kru County Senator Nimene Bartekwa has broken ground for the construction of a six-classroom school in Philadelphia, Forpoh District, Grand Kru County.
Senator Bartekwa stated that the groundbreaking ceremony marks the fulfillment of one of his key campaign promises to the people of Forpoh Statutory District during the special senatorial elections in 2020.
According to the Grand Kru lawmaker, residents of the district had requested a school project to help improve the educational system in the county.
Senator Bartekwa emphasized that, regardless of location, every Liberian must have access to free education.
He reaffirmed his commitment to building a six-classroom school in Grand Kru to support the county’s citizens through infrastructure development.
He noted that the number of school-going children in Philadelphia is significant therefore, there should be an enabling environment to accommodate more students and enhance education in the district.
Moreover, Senator Bartekwa promised that all school-age children in Grand Kru would have access to free education across the county.
He made this assertion during the groundbreaking ceremony on March 5, 2025, in Forpoh Biao Statutory District.
He further stated that the existing Philadelphia Elementary School has limited facilities, making it unable to accommodate more students; a situation that prompted him to approve the community’s request for a new school.
Philadelphia is a densely populated area in Forpoh Statutory District, Grand Kru County. Senator Bartekwa revealed that the school project is expected to be completed within five months from the groundbreaking date.
According to him, the project will include six classrooms and teachers’ quarters to accommodate educators while they perform their duties.
However, the senator acknowledged that while teachers are available in the community, poor school infrastructure remains a major challenge for the county.
Senator Bartekwa called on residents to cooperate with the construction team, assist in the project’s execution, and provide security for the materials.
Grand Kru Superintendent Antoinette Wowlee Nimely expressed her deepest gratitude on behalf of the county and its people for the senator’s initiative.
Superintendent Nimely expressed optimism that, once completed, the project will bring relief to the Forpoh community and contribute to the educational development efforts of the Liberian government.
Meanwhile, the event was attended by local stakeholders, including the County Development Officer and officials from the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
