Fenutoli Town, Yellequelleh District #5, Lower Bong County – May 28, 2025 – A violent storm that swept through Fenutoli Town on Sunday, May 11, 2025, has left more than 250 school-going children without a classroom. The natural disaster ripped off the roof of Yowah Manah Public School, the sole semi-junior high institution serving the area and surrounding communities, bringing academic activities to an abrupt halt for the remainder of the 2024/2025 school year.
The evening storm inflicted severe damage on the main school building, leaving residents deeply affected. For many in this underserved rural district of Bong County, Yowah Manah Public School is considered a vital lifeline for education.
Speaking to a team of journalists on May 27, Principal Kesseely P. Gogbah described the aftermath as “devastating.” He elaborated, “The entire roof of our main structure is gone. Classrooms are exposed to the elements, and learning has come to a complete standstill.” Mr. Gogbah also highlighted pre-existing challenges, stating, “We were already struggling with limited seating and learning space. This storm has made a bad situation worse.”
Yowah Manah Public School serves a wide catchment area, catering to children from Fenutoli and several neighboring towns within Yellequelleh District. With the school building now uninhabitable, hundreds of students face an uncertain academic future, raising concerns about the continuity of their education.
In the wake of the destruction, Mr. Gogbah has issued an urgent appeal for support from humanitarian organizations, government agencies, and philanthropic individuals. He identified immediate needs as zinc sheets, nails, cement, and other essential building materials, all crucial for restoring the facility and enabling the resumption of classes.
Community members echoed Principal Gogbah’s plea, expressing profound concern about the long-term impact of prolonged school closures on their children’s educational development. “This school is the only chance our children have to learn and build a better future. We need help — urgently,” pleaded one resident.
As Liberia’s rainy season continues, the urgency to repair and rebuild Yowah Manah Public School becomes even more critical. Residents and school staff remain hopeful that assistance will arrive swiftly to help restore what they view as a beacon of hope for their community’s future.
Comments are closed.