Ramsey N. Singbeh, Jr
+231772641146 / 880147358
The Booker Washington Institute (BWI), Liberia’s leading vocational training school, is set to benefit from a $1.4 million state-of-the-art latrine facility on its Kakata campus, announced Dr. Nancy T. Freeman, the first female principal of the institution.
Addressing the press in the institution’s conference room on Wednesday, Dr. Freeman revealed that the project originated from an appeal by day students who found the current bathroom facilities insufficient, with about two to three latrines available in the science building.
She said the issue was brought to light during a visit by a delegation from Booker T. Washington High School in Houston, Texas, leading to a partnership between the two institutions.
According to her, the latrine project has been named in honor of one Benjamin Kolleh, following a suggestion by the principal of the Booker T. Washington High School, Dr. Carlos Philips.
Dr. Freeman said while in the US, a memorandum of understanding that her administration received in June 2024, was signed to formalize the project’s implementation, with construction expected to start in 2026.
The principal explained that the new facility will include showers and a recreational area equipped with television amongst others, addressing longstanding sanitation and student welfare concerns raised by the commuting student body.
She emphasized that the administration will monitor the new facility to prevent students from spending excessive time there.
Beyond sanitation improvements, Dr. Freeman highlighted the holding of successful fundraising event in Washington DC for a “Biomedical Course” to be introduced at BWI, reflecting the institution’s commitment to expanding its academic offerings.
She disclosed that a delegation from Prairie University, a longtime partner to BWI, is expected to visit Liberia to participate in the institution’s 96th Funders Day this month and conduct an assessment to support the school’s development.
Additionally, she indicated that through her engagement with the Tuskegee University in the US, the institution has awarded four PhD scholarships to BWI, underscoring international support for the institute’s human resource development.
The BWI Boss also urged alumni to assist with infrastructure needs, particularly for the automotive, electronic, and the electrical departments, which currently suffer from inadequate space.
“We are calling on all tigers to come home, and we want all hands to be on deck because we have a lot of work to do. For instance, we have the automotive department where the students are taught outside, and the rainy season is coming in September so, where do we teach these children” she asked.
Dr. Freeman continued: “The electronic department is overflooded, no space for the students. Electrical is even bad off because we have to use the student center now as a classroom, we just lack of space.”
She challenged the alumni to galvanize forces to help the institution resolved some of the infrastructure challenges it is faced with.
Dr. Freeman’s vision includes transforming BWI into a technical university, enhancing vocational education and employment opportunities for Liberia’s youth.
The Booker Washington Institute, founded in 1929 and named after the American educator Booker T. Washington, has a rich history of providing technical and vocational education in Liberia. It has been a key player in workforce development and is now poised for a new phase of growth and modernization under Dr. Freeman’s leadership.
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