-For their School Support
By Shallon S. Gonlor | shallonsgonlor@gmail.com
NIMBA COUNTY, Liberia — Hundreds of financially challenged parents and school administrators have expressed heart-warming appreciation to Girl Power Africa — GPA for providing vital support to their children, totaling approximately 585 students.
The impact of the humanitarian organization to support vulnerable students in Liberia has been nothing short of remarkable. For many parents, accessing quality education for their children has been a significant challenge, despite the government’s free tuition policy.
The burden of registration fees has been a major obstacle, forcing many students to miss out on education. However, Girl Power Africa’s intervention has brought immense relief to struggling families and vulnerable children who face significant financial challenges, enabling them to access quality education without the weight of financial burdens.
The parents and school’s administrators described the support as a game-changer, acknowledging that it has not only alleviated the financial strain on families but also demonstrated a commitment to the education and well-being of the children. Many expressed their deepest gratitude to Girl Power Africa for recognizing the potential in these young minds and investing in their future.
This gesture underscores the organization’s mission to empower girls and women, and its impact is evident in the smiles of the children and the reassurance of their parents. By providing support to these students, Girl Power Africa is helping to create a brighter future for the community, one that is built on the foundation of education, empowerment, and opportunity.
About 585 financially challenged children in Nimba and Margibi Counties are headed back to school this 2025/2026 academic year with renewed excitement based on the humanitarian efforts of Girl Power Africa, a Liberia-based non-profit organization supported by diaspora donors.
The Liberian non-profit organization is dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty by funding children’s education and equipping women with entrepreneurship skills. Through its sponsorship program, over 585 vulnerable children from single-parent households, orphaned, neglected, or abandoned backgrounds are able to access education, transform lives, and invest in Liberia’s future.
Empowering the next generation, the organization’s commitment to educational opportunities to children in need, particularly in Liberia, distributing tuition fees paid, school supplies, uniforms, deworming medications, and anti-malaria medications, totaling $110 US dollars yearly.
Selected based on educational merit, beneficiaries receive comprehensive support from kindergarten up until receiving high school diploma. This initiative empowers single parents struggling to provide education for their children and provides vulnerable children with access to basic education, bridging the gap to a brighter future.
The organization’s efforts have been met with profound gratitude and appreciation from the community, who see this move as a lifeline for struggling families.
For many parents, the financial burden of providing educational resources for their children has been overwhelming. However, with Girl Power Africa’s support, they can now breathe a sigh of relief, knowing that their children have access to the tools they need to succeed.
The impact of Girl Power Africa’s commitment to empowering vulnerable children and families is evident in the lives of hundreds of students who have benefited from the organization’s support.
School Administrators and Parents
Edwin N. Gbatoe, Registrar of Lugbehyee Public School, described Girl Power Africa’s impact as “totally awesome,” noting that many parents struggle to pay registration fees despite the government’s free tuition policy. “Accessing quality education becomes a nightmare,” Gbatoe said, highlighting the critical role the organization plays in bridging this gap. “So, this organization coming and assisting with their registration fees is highly welcoming.”
Teacher Annie L. Saye, an experienced and longest-serving classroom teacher at New Yekepa Public School, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of the support program. “This program is very good and timely for some of our students who don’t have parents who can provide support,” she said. “When you’re with people who are helping, you’ll get good support in the school.” As a dedicated teacher, mother, and grandmother, Ma Annie’s endorsement underscores the organization’s positive impact.
Sylvester Nelaganga, a parent and school administrator from Bapa Public Schools, lauded Girl Power Africa’s efforts but urged the organization to consider recruiting new students to replace those who have left school. “There are single parents, orphans, and children with disabilities who are not part of the program,” he said, appealing for help to include these vulnerable students. “We are crying out to the donors to give us the help to include the other people, to recruit them now, to be part of them, so that they all can be able to benefit.”
Fredrick Konah, Principal of Flowin Public School, also praised the program, saying it has been helpful to both students and parents. “Many of our students are now in junior high level, while others are out of high school,” he noted. “I want to tell Girl Power Africa and Madam Bulleh Bablitch-Norkeh to continue with their support and come recruit new students. All of our students are crying out for this sponsorship. They want to be part of this program.”
The testimonials from educators and parents alike demonstrate the significant impact of Girl Power Africa’s work in the community. The organization’s efforts have not only alleviated financial burdens but also inspired hope and a renewed sense of possibility for the future.
From Adversity to Success
Several graduates of Girl Power Africa’s humanitarian initiatives acknowledged the organization for its support, which has significantly impacted their lives. These individuals, who have benefited from GPA’s programs, have now become beacons of hope for current beneficiaries, offering words of wisdom and caution.
In their messages, the GPA graduates emphasized the importance of remaining focused and committed to making the most of the opportunities provided by the organization. They emphasized the role that GPA has played in their personal and professional development and encouraged current beneficiaries to seize the moment and maximize their potential.
The GPA graduates’ testimonials serve as a powerful reminder of the transformative impact that education and support can have on individuals and communities.
Princess K. Konah’s journey from a Girl Power Africa beneficiary to a high school graduate is a powerful testament to the transformative impact of education and support. Through GPA’s school supply distributions and fee payments, Princess was able to overcome obstacles and achieve her academic goals, exemplifying the life-changing difference that targeted support can make.
At just 18 years old, Princess’s life took a dramatic turn when her grandmother, her sole source of support, passed away. With siblings to care for and a physical disability, Princess’s future seemed uncertain. However, everything changed when she was introduced to Girl Power Africa.
The organization’s support enabled Princess to continue her education from 7th grade all the way to high school graduation. “The owner of Girl Power Africa asked me about my situation, and I explained everything to her,” Princess recounted. “She agreed to enroll me in the program, and today, I am a high school graduate.”
Princess’s experience with Girl Power Africa has been life-changing. She attributed her success to the organization’s support and emphasized the importance of education. “Education is the key to success,” she said. “I want to encourage my fellow friends to make use of this program. They shouldn’t sell the things they’re given, but use them to move forward.”
With a passion for technical careers, Princess dreams of becoming a professional heavy-duty operator. Her determination and resilience are an inspiration to others, and her story highlights the impact that organizations like Girl Power Africa can have on individuals and communities.
As Princess looks to the future, she remains committed to making the most of the opportunities available to her.
In the heart of Saclepea City, Nimba County, Abraham D. Johnson becomes another shining example of the impact that support and determination can have on a young person’s life. As a beneficiary of Girl Power Africa’s program, Abraham received crucial support from 2017, starting from 4th grade, that enabled him to overcome significant challenges and eventually graduate from high school.
“I was struggling to get by, and things were very difficult,” Abraham recalled. “My father wasn’t working, and we didn’t have access to basic necessities like food and education. But everything changed when I met Mrs. Bulleh Bablitch-Norkeh, the founder of Girl Power Africa. She listened to my story and provided me with the support I needed to succeed.”
With Girl Power Africa’s help, Abraham was able to register for school and receive the resources he needed to thrive. “They registered me and did everything for me, and up to this time, I’m a graduate from high school,” he said gratefully. “I say big thanks to Mother Bulleh Bablitch-Norkeh and big thanks to Girl Power Africa. The supporters out there, big thanks to every one of you.”
Today, Abraham is a professional barber, able to meet his daily needs and support himself. However, he has bigger aspirations and is eager to further his education at the university level.
Abraham’s message to stakeholders is clear: “Be the ones to set an example and support struggling Liberians in need of better education. Politics without human capacity building is useless. Our stakeholders should not mix humanitarian service with politics.”
Abraham’s story is a testament to the power of education and support in transforming lives. His determination and resilience serve as an inspiration to others, and his message highlights the importance of prioritizing human capacity development in Liberia.
Making a Difference
Meanwhile, Mrs. Bulleh Bablitch-Norkeh, the founder and executive director of Girl Power Africa, has reaffirmed her organization’s unwavering commitment to humanitarian initiatives. With a selfless dedication that shines through in her words, Mrs. Norkeh shared what drives her passion for helping others. “I get the greatest amount of pleasure just being able to help other people. That’s my heart; that’s what makes me happy,” she expressed with conviction.
For her, being in a position to make a difference is a privilege, and she sees her purpose as an opportunity to positively impact someone’s life.
“I’m not wealthy, but the little I have, I try to share as best as I can, and that is my happiness,” Mrs. Norkeh humbly admitted.
Her words underscore a profound commitment to giving back to her community. “I am just being able to give back to my people,” she said, highlighting the personal fulfillment she derives from her humanitarian work. Through Girl Power Africa, Mrs. Norkeh continues to inspire and uplift others, leaving an indelible mark on the lives she touches.
