The Dorothy Cooper Semi High School, a vital educational institution serving a diverse community in Liberia, is grappling with escalating security concerns stemming from a lack of dedicated security personnel. Principal Steve Gonpein has voiced his growing apprehension about the increasing incidents of break-ins and burglaries on school grounds, attributing these vulnerabilities to the absence of assigned watchmen or any form of consistent security presence. This lack of protection has left the school exposed to criminal activity, creating an environment of anxiety and uncertainty for students, staff, and the wider community. The removal of previous security personnel has not only exacerbated the situation but also caused considerable embarrassment for the school administration. Despite repeated pleas to the Ministry of Education for assistance in addressing this critical issue, the school’s calls have gone unanswered, leaving the institution in a precarious position.
The Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), recognizing the urgency of the situation, has stepped in to provide interim security by funding the hiring of guards. However, this temporary solution is fraught with challenges. The guards are often inadequately compensated for their services, resulting in high turnover rates and a persistent shortage of reliable security personnel. This precarious arrangement underscores the systemic failure to address the school’s fundamental security needs, placing an undue burden on the PTA and leaving the school perpetually vulnerable. The ongoing security deficit not only jeopardizes the safety and well-being of students and staff but also undermines the school’s ability to function effectively as a center of learning.
Compounding the security challenges, the school’s infrastructure has suffered significant damage, further highlighting the institution’s struggle for adequate resources and support. A violent rainstorm in January wreaked havoc on the school building, leaving sections in disrepair. While the County Education Officer visited the school to assess the damage and subsequently reported the situation to the Ministry of Education’s central office, no concrete action has been taken to address the necessary repairs. This inaction stands in stark contrast to the Ministry’s earlier promise to renovate the damaged areas during the semester break, leaving the community frustrated and disillusioned by the government’s apparent disregard for the school’s needs.
The Dorothy Cooper Semi High School plays a crucial role in the community, providing education to students from elementary through high school levels. As the sole institution offering such comprehensive education in the area, it serves a diverse population, including many less-privileged children who rely on the school for access to quality education. The school’s recent upgrade to semi-high status reflects its growing importance in accommodating the increasing number of students seeking education, many of whom come from disadvantaged backgrounds. This upgrade underscores the school’s vital role in providing opportunities for social mobility and community development, further emphasizing the detrimental impact of the unresolved security and infrastructure challenges.
The Ministry of Education’s continued silence and inaction in response to the school’s pressing needs raise serious concerns about the future of the institution and the well-being of its students. The lack of communication and tangible support from the responsible authorities undermines the efforts of the school administration, the PTA, and the community at large to provide a safe and conducive learning environment. The ongoing neglect not only jeopardizes the educational prospects of the students but also raises questions about the government’s commitment to ensuring access to quality education for all.
The situation at Dorothy Cooper Semi High School exemplifies the challenges faced by many educational institutions in Liberia, particularly those serving marginalized communities. The lack of adequate resources, coupled with bureaucratic inertia and unfulfilled promises, creates a cycle of neglect that hinders the progress of these vital institutions. The ongoing struggle for basic security and infrastructure underscores the urgent need for greater government accountability and investment in education to ensure that all students have the opportunity to learn and thrive in safe and supportive environments. The silence of the Bong County Education Officer, Boakai David, when contacted for comment further highlights the lack of transparency and responsiveness from those responsible for overseeing the well-being of the education system. The situation calls for immediate action to address the school’s urgent needs and ensure that the students’ right to a quality education is protected.
