Pillar Junior & Senior High and Chapel! (Photo report of Liberia Trip Jan 2009: Part 3 of 6)

This hand-written poster of classroom rules included the following warning:

"NO PLAYING WITH PHONE IN CLASS!"

.
.

Low-cost cell phones are now used everywhere in Liberia and have greatly improved communications around the country.

(At night a cell phone also serves well as a flashlight to light up the trail ahead, should there be a snake to avoid!)

.

.

This young lady wanted her picture taken

(with her family's cell phone, of course)!

.

.

During the 1990s, this building for high school classes was built on the property next to the elementary school in Jacob's house.

.

.

There is still some finishing work to be done...

.

.

For example, there are still no railings on the steps leading

to the three upstairs classrooms. Downstairs there

is a small auditorium for student chapels.

.

.

The high school classes were inside, waiting to see us!

.

.
.

This newer building is more spacious, but the classrooms are often quite dark because the latticed concrete window construction (which cuts out the light) is necessary for greater security of the building, especially at night. Even if electricity were available for better lighting, it is unlikely that the school would be able to afford it.
.
.
We were happy to learn that there are no less than 39 students in each of the junior and senior high classes this year!
.
.

Robert Saydee encouraged this student to stay in school and acquire a good education.

.
.
As an after-school job, this Pillar student rents a motorcycle and provides "taxi service" around Buchanan!
.
.

A short chapel service was convened, in which there was some great singing by both the elementary and junior/senior high divisions of the school!

.

.A small generator was fired up to provide enough electricity for a few ceiling lights and the PA system.

.

.

As each visitor from the United States spoke briefly, the students listened attentively...
.
.

...and watched us closely too!

.
.

Boy: "Are you OK with him taking your picture?"

Girl: "I think so! This is a special day at our school!"

.