LIBERIA:

President George Bush and the First Lady Praise the Success of the Accelerated Learning Program Plus

February 22, 2008

During their visit to Liberia on Thursday Feb. 21, 2008 as part of a five-country Africa tour, President George Bush and First Lady Laura Bush lauded the achievements of the Accelerated Learning Program Plus – a project implemented by Creative Associates International, Inc. – by commending one of its graduates. The program is funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development.

“Mr. President, today you will be listening to some of the beneficiaries who will be sharing their experience with you,” President of Liberia Ellen Johnson Sirleaf told the audience and honored guests at a Roundtable on Education at the University of Liberia in Monrovia. “They’ve been supported through the United States Agency for International Development, the President’s Africa Education Initiative. Liberia currently receives assistance for adult learners, primary school students, school infrastructure, teacher training, the accelerated learning program and improvement of higher education.”

Before he heard from a number of beneficiaries of U.S. assistance, the President said: “We really appreciate you all coming to share your message with us. I hope you’re not nervous,” drawing laughter from the audience. “I bet you’re not, because all you got to do is tell us what’s on your mind. Just share your stories, and I think people will find that they’re most interested.”

Moses Kwalula Jr., 15, a graduate of the Accelerated Learning Program Plus (ALPP), joined the President and First Lady on the stage where he spoke about the impact of the project on his life.

Before he knew of ALPP, Moses used to cut class and felt discouraged about his future in school; his younger sister was ahead of him. Now a seventh grader, he intends to graduate from secondary school and attend college. The young man thanked Creative Associates, the U.S. government and the Liberia Ministry of Education for the opportunity he’s received.

ALPP focuses on providing accelerated learning classes to over-aged students ages 10 to 18, and out-of-school youths ages 15 to 35, to enable them to complete the six-year elementary school curriculum in three years. The project also provides Life Skills training to youths entering the workforce while others are re-integrated into the local school system.

Moses is among nearly 11,000 young people to date, between 15 and  35, who are obtaining an elementary school education through ALPP. Creative Associates along with USAID and other contractors helped organize and prepare for the Presidential visit.