YM Lab Liberia
YM Lab Liberia
A modern digital learning centre in Monrovia, Liberia, to improve access to technology and provide hands-on experience in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. Developed by the Helping Africa Foundation, TECHAiDE, IMPLEMENTERS, the JJ Roberts Educational Foundation, and local leaders, the lab will serve 8 schools and benefit over 4,000 students in the community.
A vision beyond Ghana
When the Yamoransa Management team developed the original five-year plan for the Yamoransa Model of Sustainable Development, they committed to establishing at least one centre in each of Ghana’s 16 regions. At the same time, they recognised that the Yamoransa Model had the potential to extend across sub-Saharan Africa and beyond. That broader vision began to take shape in July 2021 with the opening of the first Yamoransa Model centre outside Ghana in The Gambia. The success of that expansion demonstrated that the model could be adapted to other countries and communities with similar educational needs.
Opportunities in Liberia
Jonathan Wiesner, Deputy Executive Director of HAF, proposed expanding the Yamoransa Model into Liberia, and the management team quickly approved a delegation to explore this opportunity. In August 2023, Dr. Rose, Jonathan Wiesner, and Kafui Prebbie traveled to Monrovia, where they met with Senator Wesseh and President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, who expressed strong support for the project. They also met Madam Tanneh Brunson, Chairperson of the JJ Roberts Educational Foundation, who invited them to visit the computer center she established at the First United Methodist Church.
Designing the Lab
After assessing the site, Dr. Rose proposed replacing the existing computers and server with the Yamoransa Model Edu Lab Gold configuration and equipment. Madam Brunson and her colleagues enthusiastically accepted the proposal. In March 2024, TechAide and IMPLEMENTERS conducted a comprehensive needs assessment, including visits to beneficiary schools located within a 10-minute walk of the proposed centre. Based on their assessment, they recommended installing a 36-seat Edu Lab with a separate Makerspace room. Once commissioned, the Yamoransa Model Lab will serve eight schools within the surrounding catchment area, expanding access to digital learning resources for students and educators in the community.
Dedicating the lab
On Wednesday, July 24, 2024, the completed Yamoransa Model Lab was dedicated during a ceremony at the Methodist Church. The event included remarks from Liberia’s Minister of Education, Dr. Jarso Maley Jallah; Dr. Deborah Rose; Japhet Aryiku, President of HAF; Jonathan Wiesner, Deputy Executive Director of HAF; Kafui Prebbie, CEO of TechAide and IMPLEMENTERS; Madam Tanneh Brunson; and other members of the JJ Roberts Educational Foundation. The Liberia lab represents an important milestone in the continued growth of the Yamoransa Model beyond Ghana. By bringing reliable digital learning infrastructure, a makerspace, and community-centred educational support to Monrovia, the project reflects the model’s commitment to expanding access to technology, strengthening schools, and creating new opportunities for students across Africa.
Impact in action
Changing lives
Watch how Yamoransa Model labs turn access into opportunity.
