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By Moses Geply
Maryland County, Liberia — A Swiss-based humanitarian organization, Arise from Ashes, has rolled out a hands-on agroecology training program in Maryland County schools to promote early agricultural education among Liberian students.
The initiative, which began in 2022, focuses on three key farming practices: site selection, soil preparation, and composting for local fertilizer production. It has already reached several institutions, including Cape Palmas High School, John Hilary Tubman High School, Demonstration School, Barrobo Central High School, CPHS-TVET, and Tubman University. This year, the program expanded to Tugbaken Public School and Barriken Public School.
Speaking Thursday at a training session in Barriken, lead facilitator Lorenzo Dogbeh said the program aims to give students practical knowledge to improve farming practices.
“Today, we have started this hands-on training with the students of Tugbaken Elementary School. Now we are here at Barriken Junior and Senior High, teaching students the three major steps before farming: site selection, soil preparation, and composting,” Dogbeh explained.
He noted that many Liberian farmers overlook these basic steps, reducing productivity. “With this early training, students will not only practice improved farming methods but also serve as ambassadors to their parents and communities,” he added.
Local school officials welcomed the initiative. Barriken High School Vice Principal for Student Affairs, Sam S. Weah, called it “an opener for students,” noting that it changes how young people view farming.
“For many of them, farming has always been about hard labor in the sun. But here, they are learning techniques that make farming smarter and more productive,” Weah said.
Barriken High School Principal Mathew W. Kwabo described the program as timely, given the lack of extracurricular resources in most schools. He announced plans to establish a school garden club as part of the effort.
Students also expressed enthusiasm. Tenth-grader George Y. Sayon said the training gave him confidence to contribute to his family’s farm. Twelfth-grader Theresa William highlighted its importance for young women, saying it shows that “agriculture is for everyone.”
Both pledged to share their new skills with their families and peers.
With Liberia facing ongoing food security challenges, school-based agricultural training programs like Arise from Ashes’ initiative are seen as crucial for preparing the next generation of farmers, agronomists, and agricultural entrepreneurs.
