Liberia Education Project ( LEP )

	Dennis L. Fisher, Board President Dennis Fisher brings experience and leadership to Board of the Liberia Education Project. He has served as Board Chairperson of a large regional Mental Health Association and for many years on his Church Administrative Council. Dennis Fisher has worked for well over 30 years in various behavioral health settings in Philadelphia and currently trains Philadelphia’s Mental Health and Drug & Alcohol case managers.
Dennis has a B.S. in Education, a Master of Music (Music Therapy) from the University of Miami and has completed post-graduate work in Health Care Administration at Penn State University. Dennis is a certified trainer through the Crisis Prevention Institute and also holds an Advanced Certificate of Culturally Competent Human Services from Temple University. Dennis is choir director and Sunday school teacher at his church where each summer he also leads a youth home repair mission to Appalachia. Dennis is also involved civically as he has run for elected office. Dennis has been married to Karen for 33 years. They have two grown children. They live in suburban Philadelphia. Dennis surely brings sensitivity, confidence, Christian love and a sense of “Never Give Up” to the Liberia Education Project.

	Jacob G. Madehdou, Executive Director Jacob Madehdou worked in many humanitarian positions in his home land, Liberia before moving to the United States of America. He joined the World Wide Mission School System upon graduation from the Liberia Christian High School in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County. His first assignment was at the Elephant Tail School in Doedain, a rural town in Rivercess County.
During his assignment in Doedain, he received a scholarship from the World Wide Missions (his home Church) to further his education at the African Bible College in Yekepa, Nimba County. Jacob earned a BA degree in Biblical Studies and minor communications and education. He rejoined the World Wide Missions system in Buchanan as dean of students and later served as Principal after his graduation from the African Bible College. Due to the Liberian Civil War he was forced to close the school and seek refuge in a neighboring country. After the conflict he returned to Liberia and accepted an assignment to serve as administrator of the World Wide Missions School in Monrovia, the capital city of Liberia. He also served on the Board of the World Wide Missions of Liberia as business manager prior to his coming to America where he presently resides with his family. Jacob joined the Somerton United Methodist Church in Philadelphia, PA and presently serves as a member of the Administrative Counsel, and the Staff Parish Relations Counsel (SPRC). To prepare himself for the task of helping to rebuilding his war-torn nation (Liberia), especially the education sector, Jacob enrolled at the Arcadia University and graduated with a Masters Degree in Special Education, MED. During his study at Arcadia University, Jacob felt the need to do something to help with the education need in his homeland. He saw the vision; he prayed about it for some time and decided to share his vision with his Church. The Church accepted the vision and it is working with him to make the vision become a reality. In Dec. 08Jacob went to Liberia on a fact finding mission on behalf of the Liberia Education Project. While in Liberia, He travelled 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. 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. Jacob saw first-hand the need for schools and self-sustaining vocations throughout Liberia, especially in the rural areas. Jacob is now focused on creating awareness and seeking solutions for the issues facing his homeland.

	Robert E. Murray, Treasurer Robert Murray retired after a long career in international sales of engineered products for several international companies. He traveled extensively to many Asian and Pacific Rim countries. Currently he serves as the President of the Board of Trustees and Chairman of the Finance Committee for Somerton United Methodist Church. He also served on the School Board of Newtown Friends School. Robert has a B.S. in Engineering from Drexel University in Philadelphia and has also completed course work for a Masters in Business Administration.
Robert is a results oriented individual. His ability to get things done has developed from his engineering background as well as his sales experiences in a wide range challenging assignments. Robert is committed to helping the vision of the Liberia Education Project to educate children that really need our help.

	Florence T. Sweger, Board Secretary Florence Sweger has been a member of Somerton United Methodist Church for 55 years. She has served on many committees within the church, such as Nominations, Sunday School Superintendent, Bible School, Church Bazaars, Roast Beef Dinners. Florence has sung in the choir for 60 years. Outside of church, Florence has worked for a major bank in Philadelphia and as Pharmacy Customer Representative. She has paid health claims and worked as a customer service representative for Prudential Insurance Co. Florence also worked as a supervisor of a customer service unit.
Florence comes to this board hoping to help facilitate the education of needy children and parents, not only to read and write, but to be able to learn how to sustain and feed their bodies as well as their minds. Such self-sustaining vocations as gardening and agriculture can allow them to feed their body and mind at the same time. Florence has been married to Ralph for 44 years, and they live in Northeast Philadelphia. They have a grown daughter and two granddaughters.
George Memis Dorothy Holland Erna Railey Immanuel Zokrah, Health Care Program Gina Schnee, Health Care Program