A gathering of students at the Kingdom Embassy School in Bernard Farm, Liberia
Westminster Presbyterian Church remains a significant positive force in the lives of several hundred children and their parents in the village of Bernard Farm, Liberia. This community is located on the outskirts of the capital city of Monrovia.
Bernard Farm is now served by two different private schools, including Kingdom Embassy School (KES), which Westminster has been in partnership with since January 2021. Though this partnership, Westminster’s African Mission Committee has worked collaboratively with KES leaders to plan programs and has provided a range of vital health and education resources, as well as financial support. Prior to this assistance, KES, like many Liberian schools, both private and government-sponsored, struggled to maintain adequate staff, educational supplies, and sufficient enrollment of tuition-paying students. The number of girls in school was much lower than the boys as parents gave preference to their male children, a common attitude in many developing nations.
This year, through our 2025 campaign, “Weaving Partnerships for Brighter Futures in West Africa,” we are building on this foundation of progress, ensuring that more children in Bernard Farm have the resources, opportunities, and support they need to thrive. Learn more about our 2025 African Mission campaign here: “Weaving Partnerships for Brighter Futures in West Africa.”
Many improvements have been realized through our ongoing partnership, and our on-site representative, Joseph Dorbor Kpangbala, recently summarized some of the highlights of our current efforts.
Girls’ Enrollment and Scholarships & Computer Lab Upgrades — Weaving Brighter Futures for Students’ Education
The number of girls attending KES is now about 40% of the total enrollment, thanks in large part to the average of four dozen full tuition scholarships funded by Westminster. The school now houses a dedicated computer laboratory with rehabbed laptop devices donated by the G.E. Elfun Society in Schenectady, NY. While reliable electric power is admittedly a frequent problem, access to a computer is very important, especially for senior students who aspire to continue their studies after high school.
Health Services and Medical Support — Weaving Care into the Community
Additional program highlights include the health services provided by part-time Registered Nurse Korlu Jallah whose several monthly “Sick Call” visits deal with minor illnesses and injuries of both students and staff as well as the occasional parent or community member. Nurse Jallah frequently will refer more serious situations to local clinics or hospitals and she is supplied with medications to treat malaria, still a frequent problem in this tropical nation. Nurse Jallah provides monthly reports to Mission Committee member Lyn Kucij who is a retired Physician Assistant. Twice a year, Westminster sends funds to Nurse Jallah so that she can resupply essential over-the-counter (OTC) medications and First Aid supplies.
Menstrual Health and Education — Weaving Dignity into Girls’ Lives
Nurse Jallah provides regular instruction to all students on a variety of health and hygiene issues. For the girls, this includes the provision of reusable menstrual pad kits created in Schenectady, NY by the incredible efforts of The Mooncatcher Program. Look this program up online and you will better understand their motto, “A period should end a sentence; not a girl’s education.”
Nutrition Program for Young Students — Weaving Strength Through Nutrition
Also under Nurse Jallah’s supervision is the nutrition program we fund that provides a well-balanced lunch twice weekly to both preschoolers and youngsters in the lowest primary grades. This effort now serves an average of 70 students per session and is undoubtedly having a positive impact on youngsters whose regular diets are loaded with carbohydrates and lacking sufficient sources of protein.
Microloans for Families — Weaving Opportunity for Parents
Beyond serving students, we are now in our fourth cycle of providing small interest-free loans ranging from $25 (U.S.) to $50 or more to Bernard Farm parents to fund purchases of inventory that can be sold for a profit in one of the area’s sprawling outdoor markets. Funds are also used for medical treatments and tuition payments. They are a lifeline to folks who do not have bank accounts or credit scores and whose livelihoods are likely subsistence farmers or hunters, or “market ladies.” The full repayment rate of these loans has been a remarkable ninety percent.
School Infrastructure Improvements — Weaving Stability for the Future
Much needed roof replacement work underway in 2025
Over the years, we have also contributed to classroom additions and repairs; most recently, the replacement of the metal roof on the main building housing classes.
Noah V. Kucij Essay Competition — Weaving Voices and Ideas
Finally, Mr Dorbor reports on the great success of the recent Noah V. Kucij Essay competition at KES. Please refer to our previous blog detailing the results of this second annual contest.
Your donation makes a world of difference!
All that is happening at Kingdom Embassy School is only possible with the generous donations of Westminster’s supporters. Your contributions to our 2025 Weaving Partnerships for Brighter Futures in West Africa campaign are helping turn these stories of hope into reality. We thank you and the children and villagers of Bernard Farm, Liberia, thank you!!!!
Generous donors make this all possible! You can join us in “Weaving Partnerships for Brighter Futures in West Africa” by visiting our website (wpcalbany.org). Donations are always most gratefully accepted and can be made online (wpcalbany.org/give) or by sending a check to Westminster Presbyterian Church, 85 Chestnut Street, Albany, NY 12210 (note “African Mission” on the memo line). Thank you for your support!
Stay tuned for updates. We will be sharing information and updates on our blog page (wpcalbany.org/blog) throughout the coming months as our fundraising progresses to support these projects and the essential services which mean so much to the communities we serve.
Please save the date. We hope you will join us on Saturday, September 27th for the annual African Family Night celebration!
