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ADNews-Monrovia: FACE Africa International, a US and Liberia-based non-profit organization, has officially handed over a new large-scale Solar Powered Rainwater Harvesting System to the Kendeja Elementary and Junior High School in Paynesville. The project not only included a 7,000-gallon (26,500-liter) clean drinking water system but also provided six weeks of intensive training in health, hygiene, maintenance, and sustainability, as well as improvements to the school latrines and the provision of sanitary materials.
By Contributing Writer
The initiative, implemented in collaboration with the Kids Educational Engagement Project (KEEP), was primarily funded by the Niraj Bhatia Foundation. The Founder, Mr. Niraj R. Bhatia, and his friend Mr. Andre Saint Kelly traveled from the USA specifically to attend this dedicatory ceremony.
Speaking at the dedication ceremony on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, in Paynesville outside Monrovia, FACE Africa’s Field Program Manager, Mr. Samuel Gorgbor, disclosed that the intervention came in response to a dire water crisis at the school, which had led to declining student enrollment—particularly among female students.
“Girls were forced to stay home during their menstrual cycle due to the absence of clean water and proper sanitation. KEEP Liberia reached out to us, and after visiting the school, we decided to act,” Gorgbor said.
The completed project includes a 400-foot-deep borehole (drilled by Duke & Associates), a submersible solar pump (installed by West Coast Energy), and a large rainwater harvesting system (installed by Abundant Rain). FACE Africa also formed and trained a WASH Committee consisting of 40 people (22 females and 18 males), including school staff, students, and community members. The training took place over six weeks of in-depth education in health, hygiene, sanitation, prevention of Sexual Gender Based Violence (SGBV), maintenance, and financial management to ensure sustainability of the infrastructure.
In addition to the WASH project, FACE Africa also incorporated a women’s health and empowerment component. The program consisted of two days of in-depth training with 45 women and girls about menstruation and reproductive health. As part of this vital program, FACE promised to distribute menstrual products (Cups) to all eligible female students and teachers in the school at the soonest possible time.
Mrs. Sylvia N. Solo, Health and WASH Training Coordinator, re-echoed that each re-usable cup lasts for 10 years and presents the most sustainable and affordable long-term solution to ending period poverty in Liberia.
Solo stated, “We emphasized the importance of women’s involvement, improved hygiene practices, and the ability of women to take bold, self-initiated steps in their communities, and take ownership of their futures.”
The School motivated student body took the stage and expressed their sincere gratitude for the project, while the Principal of the Kendeja Elementary School, Mr. Christian G. Barchue, expressed gratitude to FACE Africa and its partners, stating, “This project is not just a blessing for our students, but for the entire Kendeja community. Clean and safe water will keep our children in school and protect their health.”
Speaking through a proxy, FACE Africa Founder and President, Mrs. Saran Kaba Jones, emphasized the broader significance of the project.
“This moment represents more than infrastructure. It symbolizes hope, health, and dignity. Access to clean water is a basic human right, and we are proud to support communities across Liberia in realizing that right,” she said.
The Executive Director of FACE Africa, Ms. Pauline V. Egan, also addressed the gathering during the keynote address, lauding the efforts of all partners, including Mr Bhatia, and congratulating the graduating WASH Committee members, of which more than half were female.
“Today, Kendeja Public School receives one of life’s most valuable treasures—clean, abundant water. This solar-powered rainwater system is more than a gift; it’s your responsibility. Take care of it, and it will take care of you. Treat it like your best friend,” she urged.
Egan emphasized the health risks of unsafe water and open defecation and the positive transformation this project will bring, particularly for girls who have previously suffered a lot. She urged the students to cherish and protect their facility and encouraged all the girls to feel free to pursue their biggest dreams now.
In an unexpected announcement, Egan also shares news of the donation of a brand-new laptop for their school library, which was generously donated by The Loyalty Foundation, USA.
The ceremony was graced by the top educational stakeholders of Montserrado County, including the County Education Officer, among others.
Education Officer Alfreda G. Sleweon and County Superintendent Whroway Bryant, Mr. Amos Doe of KEEP Liberia, Ms. Joelle Gordon and Mr. Chris Botha of Abundant Rain, and Mr. John Aggrey of Duke and Associates gathered to grace the program
The event was a wonderful day filled with joy and excitement from community members, students, and stakeholders, marking a hopeful new chapter for the Kendeja school and surrounding areas.
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