Save the Children-UK yesterday turned over a modern school complex to the Government of Liberia through the Ministry of Education. The UK-based children group through its Liberia office yesterday dedicated the newly constructed modern John S. Varfley Elementary Public School building and a playground in the Careysburg District.  The school was built through donations from Mike Balfour and his wife Margaret, Save the Children supporters and readers of the Sunday Time Newspaper in the United Kingdom as a result of a Christmas appeal for the Kingsville community in Careysburg District in Liberia on November 30, 2008 on the internet. The Christmas appeal, according to Save the Children Country Director, Susan Grant was intended to raise one million British pounds to help the children of Kingsville to access quality healthcare, education and clean water in a safe and protected environment.

Speaking at the dedicatory ceremony yesterday in Kingsville Township in Careysburg District, Save the Children Country Director pointed out that the dedication ceremony marks the fulfillment of a promise made to the children of Kingsville in 2006.Madam Grant said education is important and it links to the survival of the children and therefore urged the government through the Ministry of Education to prioritize children education across the country.“A school is not just about the building, it is about the learning that goes on there, so I want to challenge the teachers to provide the very best of education to the students,” he stated.She ended by saying that Save the Children cannot do all and cannot provide the teaching methodology and challenged the teachers to do that. In response, the Liberian Education Minister, Dr. Joseph Z. Korto lauded the UK based group for the partnership with Liberian the government and said the initiative by Save the Children shows a true and responsible partnership. He challenged the school administration to take good care of the structure and provide the necessary education required for the students.

To the partner, the Minister said, “You have brought joy to this community and have proved that indeed you are a true partner of this government. You are really Save the Children,” he added.