The Booker Washington Institute (BWI), a venerable institution nestled in Kakata, Margibi County, Liberia, received a substantial donation of educational resources on September 10, 2025. A 40-foot shipping container brimming with desks, chairs, tables, bookcases, whiteboards, and other essential learning supplies arrived at the school, a testament to the collaborative efforts of the BWI Class of 1987-1990 and Villanova University, a prominent institution located in the United States. This transatlantic partnership aimed to bolster BWI’s mission of equipping Liberian students with the necessary skills for college, technical, and vocational pursuits.
The donation, spearheaded by the BWI alumni class, represented a profound gesture of gratitude and a commitment to nurturing their alma mater. Recognizing the vital role BWI plays in shaping Liberia’s future workforce, the alumni sought to create a tangible impact on the institution’s capacity to provide quality education. The initiative underscored the alumni’s dedication to fostering growth and opportunity within their home country, demonstrating the enduring power of education to transform lives and communities.
Mr. Abu Dekontee Sanso, Regional Director of the BWI Class of 1987-1990, formally presented the container to Mrs. Nancy Freeman, the Principal of BWI. This symbolic handover marked the culmination of months of planning and coordination between the alumni, Villanova University, and other key stakeholders. Mrs. Freeman expressed her sincere appreciation for the generous contribution, emphasizing its significance in enhancing the learning environment and enriching the educational experience for BWI students. She pledged to ensure the optimal utilization of the donated resources, maximizing their impact on the institution’s teaching and learning processes.
The logistical success of this cross-continental donation was largely attributed to the instrumental role played by Councilman David G. Bantoe, representing Upper Darby’s 6th District in Pennsylvania. Councilman Bantoe, leveraging his network and expertise, facilitated the complex process of shipping the container from Villanova University to BWI in Liberia. His dedication to the project underscored the importance of international collaboration in supporting educational initiatives and promoting global development.
Councilman Bantoe lauded the partnership between the BWI alumni and Villanova University, highlighting its potential to strengthen BWI’s position as a leading force in workforce development and sustainability within Liberia. He emphasized the crucial role of BWI in preparing the next generation of Liberian professionals, equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s economic and social progress. The donation, he asserted, would significantly bolster BWI’s capacity to fulfill this important mandate.
Looking towards the future, Councilman Bantoe affirmed the BWI Class of 1987-1990’s ongoing commitment to supporting their alma mater. He expressed their intention to continue seeking opportunities to contribute to BWI’s growth and further enhance its manpower development initiatives. This sustained engagement, he argued, would be critical in ensuring the institution’s long-term success and its continued contribution to Liberia’s development. Councilman Bantoe extended a broader call to action, urging compatriots in the U.S. and across the globe to join in supporting BWI and investing in the future of Liberia. He emphasized the collective responsibility of the diaspora to give back to their homeland and contribute to its advancement, recognizing the transformative power of education to uplift communities and empower individuals. This donation, he emphasized, served as a powerful example of the impact that can be achieved through collaborative efforts and a shared commitment to educational excellence.
