The International Consolidated Contractors (ICC), on May 24, 2025, completed the construction of a state-of-the-art senior secondary school in Gbarnga, Bong County, Liberia, marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to bolster its educational infrastructure. The $1.5 million project, funded by the World Bank, epitomizes a collaborative partnership between international organizations, the private sector, and the Liberian government, aiming to enhance access to quality education and empower future generations. The handover ceremony, held on the school grounds, witnessed the convergence of key stakeholders, including ICC representatives, Ministry of Education officials, World Bank delegates, and community leaders, signifying the shared commitment to the project’s success.
The newly constructed school boasts a comprehensive array of modern facilities, including well-equipped classrooms designed to foster an optimal learning environment. The inclusion of advanced science and computer laboratories aims to equip students with essential skills for the 21st-century workforce. Furthermore, dedicated administrative offices and upgraded sanitation systems provide a conducive and hygienic environment for both staff and students. These features collectively signify a substantial improvement over existing educational infrastructure in the region and are poised to significantly impact the quality of education offered.
ICC CEO Aabih Serhal, speaking at the handover ceremony, expressed pride in the company’s contribution to Liberia’s educational landscape, emphasizing the project’s alignment with national development goals. Serhal’s statement underscored ICC’s dedication to not merely constructing a building but to fostering long-term sustainable development within the community. Echoing this sentiment, Deputy Minister for Administration, Att. Nyekeh Y. Forkpah, highlighted the school’s transformative potential, emphasizing its role in providing opportunities and driving progress for the youth of Gbarnga and its surrounding areas. Forkpah’s remarks framed the school as a symbol of hope and advancement, embodying the aspirations of a nation striving for educational excellence.
Despite the ceremonial handover, the Ministry of Education deferred the official acceptance of the school keys, citing the need for minor finishing touches, including repainting the building with government-approved colors. This meticulous approach reflects the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring that the facility fully adheres to established standards before officially commencing operations. While the symbolic handover celebrated the project’s completion, the emphasis on these final details highlights the importance placed on upholding quality and maintaining consistency across educational infrastructure.
The Ministry of Education has scheduled the official dedication and opening of the school for July 2025, anticipating its immediate operation as a senior secondary school for an initial two-year period. Following this phase, the institution will undergo a significant transformation, converting into a Vocational and Technical Training Institute. This strategic transition aims to further expand the school’s impact on youth empowerment, equipping students with specialized skills and preparing them for diverse career paths. This dual-purpose approach ensures the facility’s long-term relevance and adaptability to the evolving needs of the community.
The school is projected to accommodate hundreds of students, significantly alleviating the existing pressure on educational resources in Bong County. Its establishment represents a major stride towards achieving greater accessibility to quality secondary education in the region, fulfilling a critical need for the local community. Local leaders have expressed optimism about the transformative potential of the school, recognizing its capacity to reshape educational opportunities and empower the region’s youth. The formal dedication ceremony in July, which will also include the official naming of the institution, is expected to be a momentous occasion for the community, marking the beginning of a new chapter in education.
