Update on DWO School Oct 2021

Status Update: Dellanna West O’Brien School

Dellanna Community, Johnsonville

Montserrado County, Liberia

West Africa

God still puts plans in the hearts of his people like Nehemiah in Old Testament times. Twenty years ago God put plans in Eddie Gibson’s heart to educate Liberia’s children and to lead them to Christ. Hundreds of students have passed through the two schools he founded. The Marla H. Corts Mission School is doing well, however, on February 27, 2021, the Dellana West O’Brien School near Monrovia was devastated when a man, angry over a controversial land dispute, bulldozed through the school’s buildings. With the support of everyone involved, the students continued to complete lessons outside and under tarps. Then, on September 14, 2021, the community witnessed the demolition of the remainder of the school campus by the same individual accompanied by armed men. This has left the school completely inoperable.

This leaves families, faculty and administration in a profound quandary: Though they are unquestionably loyal to their beloved “Dellanna West O’Brien”, they are grieving the loss of their facility, yet with steadfast determination they are forging a way forward. Education is like salvation for the typical Liberian family. So, students are in search of new schools to start this October. Parents are calculating the added cost of transferring from an affordable tuition to higher fees plus daily transportation costs. The teachers and staff are left without jobs and the discounted cost of tuition for their dependents.

The Eddie Gibson Interior Ministry-Liberia (EGIM) is working with the school administration to give emotional support and to access financial aid for families. The Ministry is also working with Dellanna West O’Brien’s Board of Trustees on a compensation package for the devoted faculty and staff.

The Ministry is left with two options: pursue the case to ensure their legal right to the land and press charges for the destruction or consider the possibility of relocating the school to a more secure property. The timing of reaching a favorable solution through the court in Liberia is unpredictable. Therefore, both options will be pursued simultaneously in order to be faithful to the vision and its supporters. Regarding relocation, a parcel of land has been donated in Marshall City to begin construction for the new Dellanna West O’Brien School. This furthers the work of EGIM expressed in the mission statement: "to build and develop satellite learning centers in Liberia as a means of inhibiting urban migration, thereby reducing crime and improving the health and well-being of rural communities in Liberia.” We will remain on higher ground to continue our work of Christian mission education for the future of Liberia. May Nehemiah of the Bible remind us to not be discouraged but look to the future when we will witness the work accomplished with the help of God and to His glory.

For questions contact us by email at: DWOBrienFriends@gmail.com