Educating the leaders of tomorrow

Joan C. Orr Academy is a child-centered learning institution established in October 2021 in Liberia to provide a supportive, thoughtfully prepared learning environment; nurturing each child’s natural desire for knowledge and preparing for their future by fostering their emotional, intellectual, physical, spiritual and social development. The school provides a comprehensive child-centered curriculum that inspires our learners to learn, explore, think critically, become compassionate and prepares them as problem-solvers. The school was established with the purpose of making a difference in our community through the provision of quality child-centered learning opportunities. 

The Vision of the school is to ensure that every child, irrespective of their social background, ethnicity, race, gender or religion has access to quality foundational education that prepares them as a world leader and problem-solver. 

The Joan C. Orr Academy exists in a community which previously had no school. You can help to ensure that these children continue to be able to go to school.

There are no public schools in Liberia. Children can only attend school if someone pays their fees. Most of the children attending the Joan C Orr Academy can't afford the $10 per month tuition and so they pay less or don't pay at all. The future of the school relies on private donations.

Liberia is one of the poorest countries in the world with many children orphaned due to Ebola and living on the streets. Children living on the street will have the opportunity to attend school alongside their peers at the Joan C. Orr Academy.

The school has 11 classrooms and can accommodate up to 500 children.

There are children from grades nursery to grade 8 taught by 12 teachers.

The school has a local latrine and hand pump to provide safe drinking water for the children.

This is Mama Fatumata. Blind and abandoned by her husband, she didn't think her children would be able to go to school. Thanks to the generosity of American donor Lou Ann Zell, all four children are able to attend the Joan C Orr Academy.

Thanks to private donations and school fees paid by families who can afford it, 250 street children will have the opportunity to come to school.

A mere $60 USD ($80 CAD) will send a child to school for a year.

``I couldn`t imagine my children going to school because I can`t see to even work for people to send them to school. I am so happy that my children are in school through the help of the American lady``

Mama Fatumata - Parent

The classrooms are simple and clean, with whitewashed walls and wooden benches. 

There is no power, no computers, no heat, no air conditioning, no running water, but there is what's important...

There are dedicated teachers and students who want to learn. There is a positive learning environment with core values of empathy, compassion and kindness for people, animals and the environment.

"The leaders of tomorrow will learn here and will help to raise Liberia out of poverty."

Morris Darbo - School Founder

The school serves the children in Glenyeeluu Community, Ganta City and its environs. Ganta is a commercial city where lot of children are without parents or with parents who can`t afford school fees. These children are out of school and selling in the street for survival. 

"This school is a blessing to us. Our community has never had a school and today we now have a school where our kids can learn in a safe environment"

Sanny Suah - Parent

The school has 12 classroom teachers, 1 principal, 1 vice principal, 1 registrar and 4 supporting staff including 2 securities, 1 janitor and 1 caretaker.

Collectively our goal is to provide the best quality education in the community.

 ``The community has gone so long without school for the growing number of kids and the establishment of Joan C. Orr Academy has helped to fill in the gap for the kids and their parents`` 

Sama Sheriff - Principal

You can help with a small donation. Every donation will help a child to reach for their dream. Donations are through GoFundMe and are in CAD.

In order to reach our goal of providing the best education in the community and provide education to as many children as possible, we need:

PLEASE NOTE: if you donate in USD, you'll see 30% less on your credit card statement due to the exchange rate to CAD.

Your donation will do directly to the Joan C. Orr Academy in Liberia to help some of the poorest children in the world to get an education and bring their dreams to life

For more photos and videos please visit our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/joancorracademy 

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