The 14-year civil war in Liberia left the country with three-quarters of its schools destroyed. The devastating conflict had a huge impact on the lives of the nation’s children, many received no education at all during the conflict. It is therefore essential that schools be rebuilt, to provide places where these children can learn and re-gain some normality in their lives.

MAKESHIFT SCHOOLS, HEAVY RAINS, HOT SUMMERS

Children in Crisis works in one of Liberia’s poorest areas, River Cess County. We prioritise communities who would otherwise have no one else to turn to due to their geographical remoteness.

There are 129 primary schools in River Cess County, only 21 of which are constructed from durable materials.

The rest (80%) are makeshift i.e. made of semi-durable materials (commonly bamboo and raffia). As one would expect, the standard of the makeshift structures vary, from adequate and functioning to totally un-fit for purpose. Churches are known to double up as primary schools in many communities. 

Children, understandably, struggle to learn and teachers teach in single room buildings with no dividing walls.

The climate in Liberia also plays its part. It has two seasons – the wet from May to October and the dry from November to April. During the wet season, makeshift structures fail to stand up to the torrential rainfall. During the dry season, when temperatures rise, cramped makeshift classrooms are hot and uncomfortable.

The task of repairing and maintaining makeshift school structures is a burdensome one for communities (mainly women) to constantly undertake.

WHAT WE HAVE ACHIEVED

Since 2007 Children in Crisis has built 3 schools in Liberia, helping to repair some of the devastation left in the wake of the civil war, and replacing buildings that just weren't fit as a place for children to learn in. The latest school was inaugurated in September 2011. 

The new school in River Cess County was built across a river and building materials had to be transported by canoe. (see the case study below)

Funding permitting, our school building programme will continue beyond 2011.  

MORE ON LIBERIA:

Teacher training, girls clubs and vocational training centres for girls and women in one of Liberia's poorest counties. Read More>	A school transported by boat, hand & foot. A school that crossed the river. Read More>