The Church of Jesus Christ Completes a Large Renovation Project for the Zapai Public School in Liberia

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints recently completed a large renovation project for the Zapai Public School in Liberia.  The renovation included many different projects; building a new latrine facility, refurbishing a well and adding a hand pump to it, installing a new roof on one of the classrooms and fixing the roof on another, and installing new electrical wiring in all of the classrooms, including new outlets, lights, and fans.  As part of the renovation, 300 new armchair desks were delivered to fill the new classrooms.

Additionally, the interior and exterior of the buildings were painted, all the floors and walkways were resurfaced, all existing bathrooms were refurbished, and railings on stairs and open walkways were installed for the safety of the students.

On 13 December 2023, a donation ceremony was held at the school to celebrate the renovation with local leaders, community members, and students.  Attending the ceremony was the County Education Officer, David V. Boakai, and the District Education Officer, Dyrexze B. Juwillie.  They were joined by Milton E.D. Williams, the Principal of the Zapai Public School, PTA Chairperson, Trokon Duwah, and local traditional leader and chairperson, Daniel Mehnbiah Sr.

There was a large turnout of students for the event.  Students at the school participate in three sessions of classes; morning, afternoon, and evening, and all these students came to participate at the 12pm ceremony.

Representing the Church at the event was President Moses Slemie of the Bushrod Island Liberia Stake, and local Bishop Gruale, Elder Lee Trapani and Sister Cheryl Trapani, humanitarian missionaries for the Church, and local ward members. Also attending the event was Semion Kollie, the contractor for the school renovation.

District Education Officer, Dyrexze B. Juwille noted in his remarks that in the past, the school student capacity was 850 students. “This number is increasing and will almost double in the very near future,” said Juwille.  “Thanks to your donation, many children whose families cannot afford private schools can now go to this free public school.”

“With the addition of electric lighting, the school is now able to hold a third evening session, which accommodates children who must work during the day and adults who are seeking a basic education,” said David V. Boakai, the County Education Officer.

The community chairperson, Daniel Mehnbiah Sr., shared the feelings of the community in his remarks. “This project has created a lot of excitement in the community. In the past this school was looked at as a last resort for education. Now it has become the premier educational facility in the community.”