Grand Gedeans have a lot to worry about. Professor Bestman R. Charpy says the core problems confronting the County today are illiteracy, poverty and hunger, which are impeding the development agenda of the County.
Prof. Charpy, Vice President for Academic Affairs of the Grand Gedeh County Community College, with Liberia’s overall illiteracy rate at 70%, Grand Gedeh County stands out as ranking higher, in addition to Hunger and what he called “mal-poverty”.
Grand Gedeh was declared county in 1964 during the regime of former Liberian President William V. S Tubman, along with Nimba, Bong and Lofa. But Charpy decried the lack of progress in Grand Gedeh’s development objectives.
He said unlike Grand Gedeh, progress in the other three counties seems to have actualized in terms of infrastructure, education and agriculture. “But Grand Gedeh County remains at the button,” Prof. Charpy added.
The former county education officer said the only way “we can progress in fighting illiteracy is to revise Liberia constitution that never mentioned education as a craterion to elect people into office.”
“Shine you’re your eyes,” he urged, and noted the people should cast their votes for people with credibility and interest for the development of the commoners during upcoming October elections.
Prof. Charpy made these assertions on Saturday, July 1, 2017 at the 11th graduation and closing exercises of Doe Community Elementary and Junior High School, owned by Madam Annie Suah Dennis in Zwedru. He spoke on the theme: “Sound Education Builds A Nation”.
He challenged parents, guardians and the faculty of Doe Community School to remain supportive of the children’s learning process to transform the country for the best.
In his remarks, the Principal of the School, Mr. Randall G. K. Gbeyeah extended thanks and appreciation to Professor Charpy for accepting to serve as guest of honor of their historic occasion, saying that he delivered explicitly.
Mr. Gbayeah said there were challenges during past academic years, but the administration through its Proprietress, Madam Annie Suah Dennis made it successfully.
According to the Principal, over 650 students ended the 2016/17 academic year and graduated 33 students from nursery, 30 K-2 and 25 6th grades, respectively.
The Doe community school started operation 2007 as a study class but is now run a full junior high section next academic year, with 9th grade to be added.
