Who We Are
The Liberia Education Project (LEP) began as a result of a vision by Jacob G. Madehdou, a member of the Somerton United Methodist Church (SUMC), Philadelphia, PA and native of Liberia, West Africa. SUMC is a relatively small church in Northeast Philadelphia (less than 200 members and a weekly attendence of 50).
In May, 2008, the Administrative Council of the Somerton United Methodist Church voted unanimously to accept the vision, and to work with Jacob to make this vision a reality. Thus the operation of LEP began. We worked with various organizations and individuals to gather supplies, financial support and logistical assistance to collect and ship school supplies to children in Liberia. These included churches, school classrooms, university students and professors. Our core group consists of four (4) men: Pastor David Brown, Dennis Fisher, Compton Chase and Jacob Madehdou. The first shipment of supplies was sent to Liberia and arrived at the Free Port of Monrovia in January, 2009.
Fullfilling Our Vision
In Dec. 08 and Jan. 09, Jacob traveled to Liberia, West Africa. He went on a fact finding mission on behalf of the Liberia Education Project. While in Liberia, He traveled to several parts of the Country, including cities and villages. It was his first time going back home since the end of the civil war that took the lives over 200,000 people and virtually destroyed the infrastructures of the country.
He saw many children on street corners in the cities who could barely find a day’s meal, safe drinking water and no opportunity to enter a school. In the cities just few schools are in some operations and many lack teaching materials and supplies. Jacob saw first-hand the need for schools and self-sustaining vocations throughout Liberia, especially in the rural areas. We wish to share our vision of educating children with all who will listen over the next few weeks and months.