Marshall – Former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has expressed sturdy admiration for the Clar Hope Basis, describing the initiative of former First Girl Clar Marie Weah as a laudable humanitarian effort deserving of broad public assist.
By Emmanuel Weedee-Conway
Throughout a tour of the inspiration’s compound alongside the Marshall Street in Decrease Margibi County, the previous Liberian chief visited school rooms and interacted with college students, praising the mission’s impression on susceptible ladies.
“I can’t say a lot for now till I launch my official assertion to the general public, however all I can say about this initiative is that I’m happy with it. I’m very joyful about it,” Madam Sirleaf stated.
In her introductory remarks, Mrs. Clar Marie Weah reaffirmed her dedication to empowering underprivileged ladies by way of the Clar Hope Basis, describing the initiative as her life’s mission past political workplace.
Reflecting on her tenure as First Girl, Mrs. Weah stated she was decided to not restrict herself to ceremonial duties or what she described as being a “common First Girl.”
“There wasn’t a e-book that stated a First Girl ought to do that or that. I didn’t need to be the kind of First Girl who solely is determined by her husband. I needed to get out into the group and do some work,” she stated.
Mrs. Weah defined that her inspiration got here shortly after former President George Weah’s electoral victory, when, throughout a go to to then outgoing President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, she was urged to not overlook about orphans. She later visited an area orphanage, the place she was deeply moved by the circumstances she encountered.
“The President stated to me, ‘Madam, please don’t overlook the orphanage.’ So I informed my workforce that we weren’t going to sit down round—we have been going to get on the highway and do one thing,” she recounted.
That willpower, she informed the previous Liberian chief, led to the institution of the Metropolis of Hope, a multi-purpose facility designed to deal with, educate, and nurture susceptible ladies.
The Metropolis of Hope options dormitories, school rooms, a clinic, a theater, leisure services, and a canteen—offering a holistic and safe atmosphere for its residents.
“If I’m going to have ladies right here, I need to defend them in an atmosphere the place we are able to present them with principally all the pieces,” Mrs. Weah stated.
Mr. Jackson P. Gbamie, Common Supervisor of the Clar Hope Basis, supplied particulars on the mission’s improvement and present standing.
“The muse was formally launched on June 9, 2018, on the SKD Sports activities Complicated following a pre-launch earlier that month. Building started in June 2019 and was anticipated to be accomplished inside two years. Nonetheless, attributable to funding constraints, the mission is now about 92 % full,” Gbamie defined.
Regardless of monetary challenges, the inspiration has recorded notable progress. At present, 28 ladies between the ages of three and 5 reside and research on the Metropolis of Hope, with plans to increase enrollment to 200 ladies by way of a phased recruitment course of throughout Liberia’s 15 counties.
“We began with 20 college students, added eight final 12 months, and plan to recruit between eight and ten extra this 12 months. Our objective is to lift a brand new technology of assured, educated Liberian ladies from pre-school by way of highschool beneath one nurturing system,” he stated.
The muse has additionally partnered with native and worldwide organizations to strengthen its packages. Orange Liberia, by way of the Orange Basis, lately supported the institution of a pc lab to spice up digital literacy and vocational coaching.
In 2025, the Clar Hope Basis held its first commencement ceremony, transitioning ten college students from kindergarten to grade one, marking a symbolic milestone for the initiative.
For the reason that political transition in 2024, the inspiration has continued collaboration with the Ministry of Gender, Kids, and Social Safety. The ministry, beneath the present administration, attended the formal opening of the Metropolis of Hope on August 14, 2024.
In the meantime, a Metropolis of Hope scholar, Roseline Kaifa, expressed gratitude to former President Johnson Sirleaf on behalf of the college.
Presenting roses to the previous Liberian chief, Roseline stated college students and employees have been delighted by the go to.
“It’s an honor to face earlier than you right this moment on behalf of the Metropolis of Hope Academy. That is our appreciation to your devoted service to our nation, Liberia. Thanks to your good work,” she stated.
