Africa-Press – Liberia. Former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has expressed strong admiration for the Clar Hope Foundation, describing the initiative of former First Lady Clar Marie Weah as a laudable humanitarian effort deserving of broad public support.
During a tour of the foundation’s compound along the Marshall Road in Lower Margibi County, the former Liberian leader visited classrooms and interacted with students, praising the project’s impact on vulnerable girls.
“I will not say much for now until I release my official statement to the public, but all I can say about this initiative is that I am pleased with it. I am very happy about it,” Madam Sirleaf said.
In her introductory remarks, Mrs. Clar Marie Weah reaffirmed her commitment to empowering underprivileged girls through the Clar Hope Foundation, describing the initiative as her life’s mission beyond political office.
Reflecting on her tenure as First Lady, Mrs. Weah said she was determined not to limit herself to ceremonial duties or what she described as being a “regular First Lady.”
“There wasn’t a book that said a First Lady should do this or that. I didn’t want to be the type of First Lady who solely depends on her husband. I wanted to get out into the community and do some work,” she said.
Mrs. Weah explained that her inspiration came shortly after former President George Weah’s electoral victory, when, during a visit to then outgoing President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, she was urged not to forget about orphans. She later visited a local orphanage, where she was deeply moved by the conditions she encountered.
“The President said to me, ‘Madam, please don’t forget the orphanage.’ So I told my team that we were not going to sit around—we were going to get on the road and do something,” she recounted.
That determination, she told the former Liberian leader, led to the establishment of the City of Hope, a multi-purpose facility designed to house, educate, and nurture vulnerable girls.
The City of Hope features dormitories, classrooms, a clinic, a theater, recreational facilities, and a canteen—providing a holistic and secure environment for its residents.
“If I am going to have girls here, I want to protect them in an environment where we can provide them with basically everything,” Mrs. Weah said.
Mr. Jackson P. Gbamie, General Manager of the Clar Hope Foundation, provided details on the project’s development and current status.
“The foundation was officially launched on June 9, 2018, at the SKD Sports Complex following a pre-launch earlier that month. Construction began in June 2019 and was expected to be completed within two years. However, due to funding constraints, the project is now about 92 percent complete,” Gbamie explained.
Despite financial challenges, the foundation has recorded notable progress. Currently, 28 girls between the ages of three and five live and study at the City of Hope, with plans to expand enrollment to 200 girls through a phased recruitment process across Liberia’s 15 counties.
“We started with 20 students, added eight last year, and plan to recruit between eight and ten more this year. Our goal is to raise a new generation of confident, educated Liberian girls from pre-school through high school under one nurturing system,” he said.
The foundation has also partnered with local and international organizations to strengthen its programs. Orange Liberia, through the Orange Foundation, recently supported the establishment of a computer lab to boost digital literacy and vocational training.
In 2025, the Clar Hope Foundation held its first graduation ceremony, transitioning ten students from kindergarten to grade one, marking a symbolic milestone for the initiative.
Since the political transition in 2024, the foundation has continued collaboration with the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection. The ministry, under the current administration, attended the formal opening of the City of Hope on August 14, 2024.
Meanwhile, a City of Hope student, Roseline Kaifa, expressed gratitude to former President Johnson Sirleaf on behalf of the school.
Presenting roses to the former Liberian leader, Roseline said students and staff were delighted by the visit.
“It is an honor to stand before you today on behalf of the City of Hope Academy. This is our appreciation for your dedicated service to our nation, Liberia. Thank you for your good work,” she said.
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