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.

The DEAR Foundation Founder and Director with LREC Administration — *Image: The DEAR Foundation Switzerland’s Sonja Dinner (Founder) and Sevim Araz (Director) with LREC Principal, Elaine Cole, and Vice-Principal, David Dokie.*

OUR VISION

To create a supportive educational environment where all students are literate, healthy, well-nourished, and equipped with essential academic and vocational skills, leading to the overall development and empowerment of the community.

OUR MISSION

To implement a comprehensive suite of programs targeting literacy, nutrition, vocational skills, agriculture, health, and extracurricular activities for students from low-income families and communities in Duazon and neighbouring areas.

TIMELINE

OUR VALUES

**EDUCATION**
We believe that quality education is the foundation of personal growth and societal progress. Our commitment is to provide accessible, inclusive, and innovative learning opportunities to empower students to reach their full potential.

**EMPOWERMENT**
We strive to equip individuals with the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to take control of their futures. By fostering a supportive environment, we inspire students to become leaders and agents of change in their communities.

**SUSTAINABILITY**
We are dedicated to promoting environmental, financial, and social sustainability. Through long-term planning and income-generating agricultural projects, we aim to create a self-sustaining model that helps subsidize education while nurturing responsible environmental practices for future generations.

**COMMUNITY**
We focus on building an active, engaged community where every member is valued and supported. Encouraging students to contribute to civic duties and involving parents in the educational process ensures a collaborative approach to creating a thriving society.

**INTEGRITY**
We uphold the highest standards of honesty and accountability. Our commitment to integrity ensures that we act in the best interest of our students, partners, and the wider community, building trust and fostering positive change.

DONATE

“Education is a human right with immense power to transform. On its foundation rest the cornerstones of freedom, democracy and sustainable human development.”

— Kofi Annan, former Secretary-General of the United Nations

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 education. 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.