Former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf on Tuesday officially commissioned the InnerCity Mission School, a newly constructed, tuition-free educational facility located in the Kankan Estate area of Paynesville. The initiative, spearheaded by Christ Embassy Church and the Chris Oyakhilome Foundation International (COFI), aims to provide free quality education to children from underprivileged communities.
The commissioning ceremony brought together government officials, church leaders, community members, and education advocates at the school’s campus, nestled within the Baptist Seminary Community.
In her keynote address, Madam Sirleaf hailed the initiative as a transformative project with long-term impact, describing it as “a light to the community.” She encouraged residents to take ownership of the school’s upkeep, stressing that education remains a cornerstone of national progress.
“This one is special,” the former president said. “Pastor Chris has gone beyond the church. Education is our most critical need if we are to make progress as a country. We must all work together to preserve and maintain this facility.”
The InnerCity Mission School in Liberia is the 18th of its kind established by COFI in Africa and India. The school is part of a broader humanitarian vision to support children who are often excluded from formal education due to poverty.
Pastor Omoh Alabi, Director of the InnerCity Mission for Children, explained the foundation’s purpose. “Many children are not in school due to their parents’ economic struggles,” she said. “This school provides hope and opportunity for their future.”
Also speaking at the event, Pastor Ambrose Isesele, a member of the Central Executive Council of LoveWorld Incorporated and Regional Pastor of EWCA, highlighted the school’s dual mission of academic and spiritual development. “Education is a basic human right. At this center, children will not only gain academic knowledge but will also receive spiritual guidance to shape their future,” he said.
Liberia’s Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Gbemie Horace-Kollie, lauded the project as a valuable contribution to national child welfare efforts. She noted that the initiative complements the government’s “Save the Child” program, which targets children in marginalized communities.
“This is not just an investment in education, it is an investment in Liberia’s future,” the minister said.
The InnerCity Mission School will begin full operations in the coming weeks, welcoming students from nearby communities who would otherwise have limited access to education. School officials say the program will include not only academics but also daily meals, uniforms, and learning materials, all at no cost to parents.
As Liberia continues to grapple with challenges in its education sector, the commissioning of the InnerCity Mission School signals a step forward in providing equitable learning opportunities, especially for the country’s most vulnerable children.
