Former Liberian President and Nobel laureate Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Monday visited the City of Hope Academy in Marshall, Margibi County, praising the school’s learning environment and engaging directly with pupils during a tour of the modern complex.
Operated by the Clar Hope Foundation, the City of Hope Academy provides education that combines the Liberian Curriculum with the National Curriculum for England and Wales, the foundation said on its website.
The school’s program aims to address the socio-economic needs of disadvantaged women, children, youth and other vulnerable populations, encouraging creativity, critical thinking and personal development.
During her visit, Sirleaf spent time with students and staff and commended the quality of instruction, particularly highlighting the academic performance and enthusiasm of the girls at the school. Her presence drew visible excitement among pupils and staff, organizers said.
The visit comes as the Clar Hope Foundation remains at the center of a legal dispute with the government. The administration of President Joseph Boakai is pushing to seize the foundation’s assets, claiming state resources may have been used in the construction of the City of Hope complex. The Clar Hope Foundation has repeatedly denied those allegations.
A trial judge in Monrovia is scheduled this month to consider a motion related to a request from the government’s Asset Recovery Taskforce seeking documents tied to the construction of the foundation’s complex.
The foundation has asked the court to dismiss or limit the scope of that request; the taskforce maintains the inquiry is part of its efforts to recover public assets.
Clar M. Weah, founder and CEO of the Clar Hope Foundation, expressed gratitude for Sirleaf’s visit in a statement, saying: “On behalf of the Management, Staff and Students of the Clar Hope Foundation and City of Hope Academy, I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to Her Excellency Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf for graciously visiting the City of Hope Academy.
‘Your presence, humility and lifelong commitment to education, peace, support for women and children continue to inspire hope and purpose in our communities. We are grateful — your visit brought smiles to the faces of these beautiful kids. It is a moment they will forever remember. Thanks for standing with us and believing in the future of Liberia. May God continue to bless you.”
