The school constructed by SEFL in Lokasu, Lofa County
Photo: utbildningsfonden.org

Education is the foundation for stability, economic development and good health for any nation, says Peter Henning, a founder and board member of a Sweden-based non-governmental organization which runs education projects in Liberia.

Speaking recently to Nordic Africa News, Mr. Henning said the Swedish Education Fund for Liberia (SEFL) believes that though it is a small group it can make an impact in the West African country and therefore has its focus in the education secotor.

He noted that for the six years that the organization has operated in Liberia, they have renovated and constructed schools and provided educational materials in Lofa, Margibi, Bassa and Monstrerado counties.

There is also a scholarship program benefiting students from a number of schools and this effort was started after the Ebola epidemic in the country, Mr. Henning added.

He noted that at the end of April he and another member of the organization, Henrik Larsen, visited Liberia and toured three projects sites in Lukasu, Pasolahun and Kolahun Oldtown in remote areas of Lofa County.

SEFL team visits school project. In the middle is local partner Momolu Vannie
photo: utbildningsfonden.org

A report posted on SEFL website notes: “The schools look good in their design. They have been built with great dedication and participation from the local villages. For example, the villages have supplied and cleaned the land and provided the projects with sand taken from rivers.

“The projects also provide a large economical injection locally. The list of people who worked in the projects and received wages is long.  A tremendous pride prevailed in the place, …. The school in Lukasu was ready, while Pasolahun and Kolahun had less things to complete.

“The schools will be ready within a month, i.e. ready for the next semester and before the rainy season strikes completely and makes transport impossible. School books were delivered on site.” 

Henning, who said he was born in Liberia to Swedish parents, noted that his organization carries out the projects in collaboration with a local partner, Multi Services headed by Momolu Vannie.

SEFL is supported by personal and business donations.