Macpherson C. Marbiah writes/0777250370-0886442881
Orange Liberia in partnership with EYO-CEL, has officially launched additional 10 Digital Schools, and Education+ initiative.
The initiative is an effort to ignite the future of Liberia educational sector.
It highlights a historical moment in the country’s digital journey.
The event marks the launch of the new Digital Schools, and the donation of back-to-school kits to its 26 existing digital schools.
It aims at empowering students with the tools, confidence and opportunities needed to excel in a digital world.
At the launch on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, in Monrovia, Orange Foundation and Digital Center Board Member, David Baysah, said a child in any classroom, whether in Monrovia or the rural areas, should be able to have access to the best lessons, explanation, as well as the richest library in the world instantly by using a digital device.
On the contrary, Mr. Baysah said, is not the case in most or all Liberian schools.
He said some students in the classrooms can access lessons online, while other do not have the firsthand knowledge or understanding of touching a computer before owning one.
He described the situation as “so frustrating that in the current labor markets, employers are now asking for digital skills that the youth have never had the chance to learned, while in school.”
This, Baysah said, is why the initiative is very important to address the gap.
“When we launch digital classroom; we are not just upgrading equipment, but expanding opportunities. We are saying that every child, no matter where they are born, deserves a fair chance to participate in the modern world.”
Mr. Baysah said, digital classrooms are more than machines, as it is not just a room full of computers or tablets; a true digital classroom has three pillars.
The pillars are having access to appropriate technology; devices that work; reliable power supply and connectivity or offline solutions that march “our context, and not imported dreams that cannot survive local realities.” Baysah: “Teachers who are empowered, but not replaced, are best suited for the job, because the best technology in the world cannot replace a good teacher. It can as well help a good teacher to become even more effective in administering his lessons. Relevant digital content that reflects our curriculum, our language, culture and realities, and not just content imported from elsewhere, as children should see themselves, communities and their aspirations reflected in what they learned. It is an honor to join you all here today for the launch of this symbolic digital classrooms; it is a step in the right direction for our young children to have access to computer at an early age.”
Orange Digital Center Manger, Zayzay Mulbah, said the institution is thrilled to announced the successful launch of 10 brand-new digital schools; it is inspiring Education+ Back-to-School Initiative.
Mulbad added: “The atmosphere was electric, bringing together stakeholders, passionate students and grateful beneficiaries; the very heart of this incredible project.”
He said the launch, which is one of Orange flagship programs, is a massive leap towards improving access to digital education, and opportunities for thousands of Liberian youths.
“We believed that digital literacy is the key to Liberia’s future, as such, the 10 new equipped schools are going to provide essential tools for 21st century learning. Simultaneously, our newly unveiled Education+ initiative, is designed to address the immediate needs of children in underserved communities through the Education+. We are also providing fundamental educational materials, starting with essential backpacks, and notebooks to ensure that every child has the basic equipment for a healthy and focused learning environment.”
Mr. Mulbah meanwhile, thanked the stakeholders, who he said believe in the vision, and to the students and families whose excitement fueled the day.
He added: “Your partnership makes this profound social impact possible.”
Orange Liberia Senior Manager, Uomah B. Witherspoon, said the event marks a momentous occasion with the launch of 10 additional Digital Schools to its already 26 existing schools.
The new program, is currently operating, and fully functional in nine counties, thus bringing its total number of Digital Schools to 36 across the country.
She said the initiative directly addresses basic educational needs by providing 5,000 basic educational materials that include bookbags, notebooks, pencils, erasers and sharpeners to students in its digital school network. Madam Witherspoon: “We are proud to announce that with this current launch, our geographical reach will increase to 15 counties; meaning our footprint will have successfully covered all 15 counties.” She said the Orange Digital Schools, and the subsequent Orange Educational+ program, represent a profound commitment to bring to bridging the digital divide by transforming education across Africa, and the Middle East.
“Launched by Orange Foundation, the initiative centers on the belief that digital literacy is not a luxury, but a necessary for social and economic inclusion.”
Madam Witherspoon said the core goal of the initiative is to provide quality educational resources to young primary students in disadvantaged areas, by empowering a generation that might otherwise be left behind in the rapidly advancing global economy.
She however noted that the effort of Orange Liberia creates a lasting impression of a telecommunications giant, consciously leveraging its expertise and technology to become a powerful agent for continental development.
Gender Children and Social Protection Deputy Minister, Garmai Tokpah, and the Assistant Education Minister for Technical and Vocational Educational Training, Nathaniel Cisco, who represented the government at the program, commended Orange Liberia for the initiative. They individually pledged government’s fullest commitment in ensuring that the program meets its targeted goals, while on the other hand, EYO-CEL, who happens to be the implementing partners of the project, also assured the gathering that they are going to meet their targeted schools, and students. Macpherson C. Marbiah writes/0777250370-0886442881