The University of Liberia (UL) campus was a scene of excitement when the school along with Orange Foundation broke grounds for the construction of ramps on both the UL Capitol Hill and Fendall campuses.
During the groundbreaking on Thursday August 15, 2024, the Interim President of the University of Liberia, Dr. Al-Hassan Conteh, and Orange Foundation Representative, Madam Uomah Brown Witherspoon, officially performed the task outside the auditorium of the Tubman Hall on Capitol Hill.
The ceremony followed an indoor program during which Dr. Conteh said that these ramps will symbolize more than accessibility, but will symbolize UL’s dedication to equality, dignity and respect for all.
“Education is a right; it’s not a privilege. It is our collective duty to make sure that this right is accessible to everyone, regardless of physical ability,” he said. Conteh said nine ramps will be constructed, four intended for the UL Capitol Hill campus and five at the Fendall campus.
Dr. Conteh said the groundbreaking signifies not just the beginning of the construction of the project, but the laying of the foundation of a more inclusive and accessible University of Liberia.
Dr. Conteh expressed gratitude to Orange Liberia for the generous sponsorship and unwavering support of the important initiative, which is commendable and sets a powerful example for corporate social responsibility in the Liberian society.
He also recognized the pivotal role of the UL Resource Center for Disability Support Services and Alternative Learning (RCDSSAL), headed by Madam Saydah Taylor, in the initiative, saying that RCDSSAL has been instrumental in bringing the initiative to fruition.
Also speaking, Madam Uomah Brown-Witherspoon of Orange Foundation said that following different meetings held for the project, it was noticed that most of the buildings at UL needed to have ramps.
She said nine locations were identified to build ramps for disabled students to be able to access, and before the ending of 2024, they will roll out two ramps, and the remaining ramps will be rolled out next year. “We are very much proud that students with disabilities can access all of the halls, and the University will not have to negotiate with professors to only have students use the ramp floor,” she said. Madam Brown-Witherspoon said it’s not just about students attending classes, but having to network, build teams and not be restricted in any way.
Joining the program virtually, Madam Saydah Taylor, head of the UL Resource Center for Disability Support Services and Alternative Learning, thanked Orange Foundation and the UL Administration for the support given to the center.
Associate Prof. Sekou Konneh, UL Vice President for Students Affairs expressed excitement about the initiative. Considering the struggle that other disabled students who attend the UL had with accessibility, Prof. Konneh said this step taken is long overdue but a good beginning.
Mr. Perkins E.T. Boye, President of the Association of Students with Disabilities at the UL, expressed delight about the significant milestone, indicating that students with disabilities wholeheartedly embrace the initiative.
