Introduction
Saycliken, the founding town of the Sarbo tribe in River Gee County, Liberia, has long been a cultural and historical hub for the indigenous Sarbo people. Despite its rich heritage, the town has faced significant challenges, including inaccessibility by paved roads and a lack of social infrastructure, leading to population decline and developmental stagnation. The Sarbo tribe, encompassing towns such as Sarbo Woffiken, Maaken, Sweaken, and Geeken, has remained steadfast in preserving its culture and making pivotal decisions for its community’s future.
A critical issue identified by the community was the absence of educational facilities in Saycliken. The town’s kindergarten school, built before the civil war, was destroyed, and while neighboring towns like Woffiken, Geeken, and Sweaken rebuilt their schools; Saycliken Public School was excluded from these efforts. Additionally, Maaken, established in 2010, still lacks a school. Consequently, many children in Saycliken were unable to attend school, with some forced to travel over two hours under rain and sun to reach the nearest school in Sweaken. The citizens of Saycliken appealed to the Sarbo Unity Foundation Inc., through Dr. Jewlee Weah Tweh, to finance the rebuilding of their school by providing all materials and food during the entire project.
The Role of the Sarbo Unity Foundation
In response to the community’s plea for support, Dr. Jewlee Weah Tweh, a native of the Sarbo tribe and founder of the Sarbo Unity Foundation Inc., committed to addressing this educational gap. Established in 2013, the Foundation aims to improve the lives and living conditions of the impoverished people of the Sarbo tribe and adjacent communities in River Gee County, Liberia. Its mission encompasses building and operating educational institutions, including high schools and vocational training centers, to provide comprehensive development programs in education, health, and agriculture.
The School Construction Project
The construction of Saycliken Public School commenced in November 2024 and was completed in March 2025. The new school building, designed to accommodate over 51 children, includes three classrooms, effectively eliminating the need for long, strenuous travel to Sweaken and providing local children with access to education within their community. The total cost of the project included covering construction materials and food, with additional support provided by Saycliken town citizens. The completion of the school is expected to not only improve educational access for children but also contribute to the overall well-being and economy of Saycliken and the wider Sarbo tribe.
Impact on the Community
The Saycliken Public School project represents a significant achievement for both the local community and the Sarbo tribe as a whole. By providing a school in Saycliken, the project has alleviated the burden on families who previously had to send their children on long journeys to attend school. Now, local children can receive their education in their own town, ensuring they stay connected to their cultural heritage while accessing quality education.
Additionally, the school is expected to serve as a catalyst for further development in the town. It may create economic relief by offering job opportunities and attracting resources that could further improve Saycliken’s infrastructure and social services. As more children attend school, the potential for a brighter future for the entire community becomes increasingly attainable.
Appreciation
The citizens of Saycliken Town express profound gratitude to Dr. Jewlee Weah Tweh for the unwavering support in establishing an educational infrastructure that ensures their children’s safety and continuous schooling. This initiative addresses a longstanding concern within the community. Your generous contributions have made a significant impact, and we are deeply thankful for your commitment to our cause.
Conclusion
The construction of Saycliken Public School, financed by the Sarbo Unity Foundation, marks an important step toward improving the lives of the people in Saycliken and the Sarbo tribe. With the school’s completion in March 2025, over 51 children who were previously excluded from formal education now have access to learning within their community. This initiative not only enhances educational opportunities but also serves as a foundation for continued development and economic growth in the town. The Sarbo Unity Foundation, led by Dr. Jewlee Weah Tweh, has demonstrated a profound commitment to preserving the culture, education, and future of the Sarbo tribe.
This project exemplifies the power of community-driven initiatives and the positive change that can be achieved when resources are allocated to address pressing needs. Saycliken, once limited by distance and lack of infrastructure, is now poised for a brighter future.