On Saturday, November 23, 2019, Kids’ Educational Engagement Project (KEEP) climaxed its fund-raising activities for 2019, at the Monrovia City Hall.
Earlier in October, KEEP hosted its 2nd Annual Fundraising dinner in Minnesota, USA, where Madam Nancy Omondi served as Keynote Speaker. She spoke on the importance of education and educating the girl child. She also used the occasion to share her multiple experiences growing up, being a single mother, and the advantages of strong family support system which enabled her to stay in school and obtain education at a high level.
In Monrovia, the annual fundraising event was also a celebration of KEEP’s 5th Anniversary. As such, it was marked by a reflection on the journey and achievements made over the years.
The ceremony in Monrovia was attended by high profile personalities including the Swedish Ambassador to Liberia, Ambassador Ingrid Wetterqvist, the President of the World Lebanese Cultural Union, Mr. Ahmed Wazni, and the UNICEF’s Deputy Country Representative in Liberia, Mr. Samuel Mawunganidze, among others.
Serving as Keynote Speaker was the 2011 Nobel Peace Laureate, Madam Leymah Gbowee. She spoke on the topic: “Tall enough, our chairs are not necessary!”
Madam Gbowee emphasized the need to strengthen the education system in Liberia and create a better learning environment for all children as “they are Liberia’s future”.
She also noted that Liberian students are smart and can academically challenge children from any part of the world if provided the right tools to learn and that collectively we need to do more to ensure their talents are encouraged and cultivated. She noted that as Liberians we need to look at the re-socialization of the minds of our children by instilling in them the importance of education and disabuse them of the notion that education takes them no where. Adding value to educational programs is key to ensuring students are provided a rounded full education.
The event generated U$40,930 in ticket sales, cash donations as well as pledges.
Making brief remarks at the event, Chief Financial Officer of APM Terminals, Mr. Khalid Ellaiti said their company has been proud to partner with KEEP over the years as literacy is the bedrock of any nation. He also noted that KEEP has demonstrated commitment and dedication to its mission over the years and pledged APM Terminal’s commitment to providing one reading room as well as the shipment of one container of books to Liberia. Both commitments are valued at US$11,500.
On behalf of the World Lebanese Cultural Union, Mr. Ahmed Wazni also committed the Union to sponsoring one reading room.
Executive Director of KEEP, Madam Brenda Moore thanked the guests for attending the event, and for their continued support to the works of KEEP. She noted that KEEP has come a long way from its humble beginnings in 2014.
Mrs. Moore highlighted some key accomplishments of the organization over the years including the construction of 12 reading rooms and 3 Learning Resource Centers across 7 counties.
The event also featured dance performances by the Liberia National Cultural Troupe and Faithvonic, and included presentation of appreciation awards to key members of society who had donated to its work over the last year.
more photos from the event can be found here: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1vi7Bna-5ZJNeUdB7KWYHCtcpa5IL8X9_
