The Government of the People’s Republic of China, through its embassy near Monrovia, has presented a check for US$2,000 to the scholarship program of Liberian Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor.
The donation is specifically targeting 20 female graduates of the former “More Than Me Academy,” now called, “HILLTOP School,” a release from the VP’s office said.
It can be recalled that at the inaugural graduation ceremony of the school recently, she promised to lead the charge of forming a coalition in order to secure a scholarship program for about 1,500 female students to attend the Ricks Institute in Virginia, outside Monrovia.
VP Taylor disclosed that the cost for each girl’s upkeep per annum is about US$2,000, which includes school fees, uniforms and supplies, expressing the hope that others will join the endeavor to assist these promising young girls complete their high school education.
Presenting the check on Tuesday, August 27, Chinese Ambassador Fu Jijun said the donation is a humanitarian aid to help the Vice President underwrite the cost of the students’ tuition fees.
The release quoted Amb. Jijun as saying that, China remains a strong development partner to Liberia and will continue to support all sectors of the country.
The Chinese envoy hailed the Vice President for her great efforts in leading the cause for women and children welfare in Liberia, noting that the Chinese Government recognizes her efforts.
As she received the check, Madam Taylor appreciated the move by the Chinese Government, describing it as timely and explained that the amount will be used to immediately begin the payment of tuition fees for the students.
“We are happy to announce that the ‘HILLTOP School’ female graduates made a successful pass in the entrance exams at Ricks and we are now in the process of raising funds to get them in school,” the VP disclosed.
Meanwhile, she has appealed to other development partners and persons of goodwill, including the Women of Liberia and the business community to join the ‘noble’ endeavor to help the female students complete their high school education.
