In a significant move to support education and inclusivity, the Management of the National Lottery Authority (NLA) in Liberia has announced the extension of its Financial Aid Project (FAP) to nine Physically Challenged Students currently enrolled at the Bong County Community College.
This initiative, which began in January 2023, aims to provide financial assistance to Physically Challenged Students pursuing higher education at various public Universities and Colleges in Liberia.
The NLA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the University of Liberia (UL) and other public educational institutions to cover the Registration Fees and offer monthly transportation compensations of US$25 for each Physically Challenged Student.
While public Universities and Colleges in Liberia already offer tuition-free education, students are still required to pay Registration Fees as mandated by the respective institutions.
This program seeks to alleviate this financial burden for Physically Challenged Students, ensuring they have access to higher quality education.
Earlier this year, the University of Liberia and Bomi Community College in Tubmanburg City witnessed the positive impact of the NLA Financial Aid Program, benefiting 22 and 18 Physically Challenged Students, respectively.
Speaking at the official launch of the program at the Bong County Community College in Gbarnga, Madam Helena Borbor Dour, NLA’s Assistant Director of Social Welfare, emphasized the unique challenges faced by those with physical disabilities in their pursuit of education.
She underscored the project’s mission to provide essential financial aid, enabling these students to continue their academic journey.
Furthermore, Madam Borbor Dour emphasized that this initiative aligns with NLA’s Corporate Social Responsibilities towards the Disabled Community, as mandated by section 6.1.2 of the 2014 ACT that created the National Lottery Authority.
She expressed the Authority’s unwavering commitment to fulfilling this mandate for the benefit of less fortunate individuals in Liberia.
Expressing gratitude to NLA’s Director General, Hon. Reginald Kpan Nagbe, and the Board of Directors for launching this project, Madam Dour encouraged beneficiaries to excel in their studies, as their success would motivate NLA’s Management to sustain and expand the program.
In response to this historic initiative, Dr. Roland C. Massaquoi, President of Bong County Community College, and Benedict Kollie, Head of the Bong County Community College Disabled Students body, lauded the National Lottery Authority for its Financial Aid partnership.
They expressed their appreciation for the support, emphasizing that this is the first time Persons Living with Disabilities have received such significant academic assistance since the establishment of the college.
The community college’s leaders expressed hope for the continued success and growth of this vital program, which is not only transforming the lives of Physically Challenged Students but also contributing to the advancement of education and inclusivity in Liberia.
