ABOUT US
The Liberia Renaissance Education Complex (LREC) is proudly funded through grants from The DEAR Foundation Switzerland, an independent not-for-profit supporting humanitarian projects worldwide.
Image: The DEAR Foundation Switzerland’s Sonja Dinner (Founder) and Sevim Araz (Director) with LREC Principal, Elaine Cole, and Vice-Principal, David Dokie.
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to transform lives by providing exceptional educational opportunities based on merit alone, ensuring students acquire a broad skill set that equips them to thrive in an ever-changing world.
OUR VISION
We envision a future where every student has access to affordable, high-quality education that transforms their lives. By emphasizing literacy, vocational training, and life skills, we strive to create a community of lifelong learners who excel on merit and contribute meaningfully to society.
OUR PRIORITIES
SETTING A HIGH STANDARD
Learning outcomes for our students are vital to our success, with a focus on small classes and students getting the attention they need to thrive.
EQUALITY
We want all Liberian children to have the same opportunities, and strive to remove barriers to equal access.
COMMUNITY
Education doesn’t stop at the school gates; we are actively involved in our community and encourage the participation of parents and staff in the school’s ongoing success.
LIFE-LONG LEARNING
We take a long-term view, with skills development for staff and students part of our core program. We see mistakes as a critical part of the learning process and encourage our students to do the same, continuously refining our methods in pursuit of our goals.
“Education is a human right with immense power to transform. On its foundation rest the cornerstones of freedom, democracy and sustainable human development.”
POLITICAL & RELIGIOUS NEUTRALITY
At LREC, we warmly welcome students from all backgrounds, embracing the rich diversity of customs and belief systems represented in our community. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all students feel respected and valued. Our school does not engage in promoting any political or belief system over others. Instead, we prioritize respect for diversity and unity in the human condition, encouraging mutual understanding and appreciation among our students. Through this approach, we aim to nurture a harmonious and supportive learning environment for everyone.
GIRLS’ EDUCATION
An estimated 130 million girls are out of school globally, limiting their ability to make informed choices and diminishing lifelong earning capacity. Embracing equity means more than just acknowledging the additional barriers girls face to obtaining and completing their educations. It takes concrete action.
At LREC we're actively breaking down barriers by ensuring access to safe toilets and menstrual hygiene products, age-appropriate advice on reproductive health, financial support for those most in need, female role models in senior positions of employment, peer support clubs, and strong child protection policies and practices.
HOW YOUR DONAtion MAKES A DIFFERENCE
Video by Art Gajda, ThinkFarm Productions
WHERE WE WORK
The Liberia Renaissance Education Complex opened in 2008 in Duazon, Margibi County, Liberia. The area is home to an estimated 30,000 people.
Liberia was founded in 1847 by the American Colonization Society, comprised largely of Quakers and free people of colour from the US. However, there is evidence of human occupation by indigenous tribes as early as the 12th century. During the 14th century, the Dutch, British and Portuguese all established trading posts, referring to the region first as the ‘Pepper Coast’, and later as the ‘Grain Coast’.
Nestled between Cote d'Ivoire, Guinea and Sierra Leone, Liberia has stunning coastlines, the largest remaining rainforest in West Africa, and a reputation for some great surf. It’s home to more than 5 million people.
THE EDUCATION SYSTEM
Education is a basic human right, but one that is not always achieved. A long-running civil war, followed by a devastating Ebola epidemic, ravaged the economy, which has yet to recover. Public investment in education remains low, and education standards lag. The adult literacy rate is below 50% and less than half of all children complete primary school.
Girls are less likely to finish their schooling than boys, with inadequate access to sanitation, health services, and female teaching staff among the core contributing factors.
OUR PARTNERS & SUPPORTERS
how far we’ve come
Video by Art Gajda, ThinkFarm Productions
