By: Mellish Gbor Regional Coordinator, Nimba D-9 TV/nimbad9tv2018@gmail.com/+231778070604
Edited /Posted by: Edmund C. Gbarwee
Mehnla, Nimba Liberia: – Mehnla is one of towns in Liberia situated some 70 km south-east of Gbarnga and it is believed to be one of the historical towns in Nimba County because of Chief Weh-Dorliea whose leadership helped to put the district on the map of governance and is located in Mehnsonnoh Administrative District, Yarwin Mehnsonnoh Statutory District, Nimba County Electoral District Nine.
Francis Gbarwee, a native of Nyonkiayee and a trained Kakata Rural Teacher Training Institute (KRTTI), African Bible College (ABC) now Africa Bible University (ABU) and Liberia International College (LICC) teacher who has been retired by the Government of Liberia through Ministry of Education was seen in a very joyous mode when he was honored at the school, he first taught 44 years ago.
His honoring was marked by a donation of a brand-new marching drum by a Liberian Community Based Organization Rev Samuel B Gbarwee Leadership Empowerment Team Liberia (SAMBLET-LIBERIA) to Weh- Dorliea Junior High School where the honoree started his career.
“We have gathered here today to honor the selfless services of Retired Teacher Francis Gbarwee for his many impactful contributions to the education sector of not just Mehnla but Liberia and the world at large. I including many others are shining example of his role played as teacher for over 44 years. The marching drum is our way of reminding all teachers one and all that, when you serve right, there are rewards and this is one of those. Mr. Gbarwee for and on behalf of us all , we have come to say congratulations” Randall Mahn, Executive Director of SAMBLET-LIBERIA
Saye Zokunwon Gbarwee Author, Founder/CEO of SAMBELT-LIBERIA a non for profit, non-political and faith base Community Based Organization who resides in the USA with his family said,
“Giving back to the community is one of our major concerns of this organization. With the drum set students will be encouraged to attend school and the town will be able to celebrate major events and will no longer run to other towns for marching drum but rather the story has now changed and other towns and villages will run to Mehnla for marching drum.
“We did not see this coming as a family and we are please to remain alive and to be honored at the very spot we started our teaching career. This honor belongs to my wife who is also retired teacher Irene S.M. Gbarwee, our children including all of you teachers and students here in this hall and those who may read in the newspapers and hear the program on the radios and TVs. Quality education with respect for your community and the rule of law are key to nation building. We appreciate the organizers” Francis Gbarwee, Honoree
On the other hand, Citizens of Mehnla Town exalts Rev. Samuel B Gbarwee Leadership Empowerment Team Liberia (SAMBELT-LIBERIA) for the donation of a brand-new marching drum to Weh-Dorliea School.
Gabriel Looh who served as keynote speaker congratulated the donor and praised the honoree, but furthered encouraged students to take advantage of their education. Mr. Looh is an educator and a media practitioner
“This is our first modern marching drum since Weh-Dorliea Public School came to being and because we never had a drum, we couldn’t celebrate Flag Day and other important events that requires the usage of marching drum. We are very excited as you can see for SAMBLET-LIBERIA to think about us. This drum will also encourage many students to come to school” says a teacher
Whoever, It can be recalled that SAMBLET-LIBERIA donated a set of marching drum and a band to Zekeh Memorial High School in Zekepa Nimba County two years back in honored of the Late but scholar Anita Sonkarlay who died in the late 90s by downing along with her little brother in the Nuu-River. That ceremony was marked by emotions but it has and continue to boost the morale of the school.
At the just ended ceremony in Mehnla, The One Nimba House Media Inc (Nimba D-9 TV) with support from DonamiSport as part of its community social responsibilities presented a trophy and football for winning teams followed by a message to all for the remover of stigma around Epilepsy from its “Help Minimize Epilepsy” campaigners.
The Citizens concluded that they will always remember SAMBELT-LIBERIA for such initiatives.
