Monrovia, Liberia, August 15, 2024: The University of Liberia (UL) and Orange Foundation have broken grounds for the ramps project to be constructed on the UL Capitol Hill and Fendall campuses.
The Interim President of the University of Liberia Dr. Al-Hassan Conteh, and Orange Foundation Representative Madam Uomah Brown Witherspoon officially performed the groundbreaking task outside the auditorium of the Tubman Hall on Capitol Hill on Thursday, August 15, 2024.
The groundbreaking ceremony followed an indoor program in the auditorium, during which Dr. Conteh noted 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,” said Dr. Conteh.
Through this project, nine ramps will be constructed, four of which are intended for the UL Capitol Hill campus, and five at the Fendall campus.
The construction of these ramps reaffirms UL’s commitment to ensuring that education at the institution is accessible to all.
Dr. Al-Hassan Conteh said the groundbreaking ceremony of the project signifies not just the beginning of the construction project, but the laying of the foundation of a more inclusive and accessible University of Liberia.
On behalf of the Board of Trustees and the Administration of the University of Liberia, Dr. Conteh expressed heartfelt gratitude to Orange Liberia for this generous sponsorship and unwavering support of this important initiative.
Dr. Conteh said Orange Foundation’s commitment to promoting accessibility on the UL campuses is commendable and sets a powerful example for corporate social responsibility in 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 this initiative. He noted that RCDSSAL has been instrumental in bringing this initiative to fruition.
In special remarks, Madam Uomah Brown Witherspoon of Orange Foundation explained that following different meetings held for this project, it was noticed that most of the buildings at UL needed to have ramps.
She said they identified nine locations to do nine ramps for disabled students to be able to access.
Before this year ends, she said 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.
She noted that it’s not just about students attending classes, but they have to network, build teams, and not be restricted in any way.
“So, we are very passionate about this project; we are very glad that we have reached this point,” said Madam Witherspoon.
Joining the program virtually, Madam Saydah Taylor, head of the UL Resource Center for Disability Support Services and Alternative Learning, thanked the Orange Foundation and the UL Administration for the support given to the center.
Association Prof. Sekou Konneh, UL Vice President for Students Affairs said he was very excited about the initiative.
Considering the struggle that other disabled students who attended the UL had with accessibility, Prof. Konneh noted that this step taken is long overdue. However, Prof. Konneh said it is a good beginning
Mr. Perkins E.T. Boye, president of the Association of Students with Disabilities at the UL, expressed delight about this significant milestone at the UL. He added that students with disabilities wholeheartedly embrace the initiative.
