Harper, Maryland County | May 22, 2025 – In a significant display of dedication to his roots, Mr. Dorbor Bedell, Chief Executive Officer of the Dorbor Bedell Foundation and a proud native of Rock Town, Harper, Maryland County, has announced a series of impactful community development initiatives aimed at restoring vital public infrastructure in his hometown.
During a visit to Harper on May 20, 2025, Mr. Bedell revealed comprehensive plans to renovate the Harper Demonstration School. This once-thriving educational institution has fallen into disrepair and was recently further damaged by a violent storm four months ago, which ripped off its roof, severely disrupting academic activities and creating unsafe conditions for students and teachers.
“While driving through my hometown, I noticed the school’s roof had been ripped open,” Mr. Bedell informed reporters. “According to the administration, this has disrupted academic activities for several months.”
Mr. Bedell’s inquiries with the school principal and the District Education Officer confirmed that no funds had been allocated for the necessary repairs. In response, the Dorbor Bedell Foundation has pledged to fully fund and lead the renovation efforts. The project is slated to commence after the close of the 2024/2025 academic year, with initial work focusing on reroofing to prepare for the upcoming rainy season. Further improvements will include replacing the school’s Columbus windows with sliding glass panes to enhance fire safety, repainting the facility, installing new roofing sheets, and repairing bathroom facilities.
The Foundation’s commitment extends beyond education. Mr. Bedell also announced a full facelift for the Liberia National Police (LNP) headquarters in Harper, which was vandalized during recent protests. The building, currently in a dilapidated state with shattered windows, a leaking roof, and fading paint, will be fully restored to functionality. “There is an urgent need to restore the building to a functional state,” Mr. Bedell stated, emphasizing the Foundation’s dedication to supporting community infrastructure across the southeast.
As part of its broader youth empowerment initiatives, the Foundation awarded 66 scholarships to students at the William V.S. Tubman University for the 2024/2025 academic year, totaling US$5,500. Additionally, the Foundation officially sponsored the Harper City Tournament, donating 19 sets of football jerseys to participating communities, along with medals, trophies, and a cash donation of 1.1 million Liberian dollars.
Speaking passionately about his wider vision, Mr. Bedell underscored the importance of preparing young people for independence and entrepreneurship. “We want to liberate our youth from dependency on the job market and awaken in them the spirit of technical entrepreneurship,” he asserted. “They must learn to create, lead, and sustain.”
Mr. Bedell also expressed disappointment with politicians who neglect their constituents after elections, advocating for a new era of accountable leadership. He commended Harper City Mayor Abraham B. Jackson and the city corporation for their continuous efforts to maintain cleanliness and order in the city.
Addressing critical sanitation concerns, Mr. Bedell revealed plans to construct an eight-room flushable toilet facility in New Kru Town, Harper. He noted the current site used by residents is situated in a swamp and on a dumpsite. “It’s horrible—it’s just so heartbreaking,” he lamented. “We can’t have our people living like this in this modern age.” A similar sanitation project is currently underway in Rock Town, his birthplace, where the Foundation is constructing modern latrines to improve public hygiene and dignity.
The Dorbor Bedell Foundation’s comprehensive efforts signal renewed hope for residents of Harper and its surrounding communities, embodying a grassroots-driven approach to development rooted in accountability, vision, and dedicated service.
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