Ganta, Nimba County – Chief Justice Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay Sr visited the newly built Nimba School for the Blind in the Hope Village Community in Ganta on Saturday, hailing the facility as a “dream come true” for the county’s visually impaired children.
By D. Franklin Doloquee
School Overseer Madam Ruth N. Zansi, National Directress for Hope for the Nations- Liberia welcomed Chief Justice Gbeisay, emphasizing the honor of his visit amid a packed schedule.
“The start of something is not easy, but this start is beautiful,” Hope for the Nations- Liberia National Directress Zansi told reporters.
Completed through faith and determination just months ago, the school now serves 25 students with separate dormitories for boys and girls plus training in various disciplines It relies on five volunteer teachers, Directress Zansi highlighted ongoing challenges: food shortages expected by month’s end, health concerns, lack of instructional materials, and no salaries for staff supporting extended families.
She praised initial local support from Nimba County Superintendent Kou Meapeah Gono, who donated food for three months. “Charity begins at home,” Zansi said.
Inspired by a conversation with school head Mrs. Zansi, a longtime friend, Chief Justice Gbeisay pledged 40,000 Liberian dollars monthly (equivalent to about $200 USD) from his personal funds through 2029 when he retires at age 70.
“Blindness is not caused by anyone,” Liberia Chief Justice Gbeisay said. “Visually impaired persons can live productive lives if given education to develop their other abilities.”
The government, he added, must ensure opportunities for the visually challenged to become “viable and productive people in our economy.”
Chief Justice Gbeisay cited a blind lawyer he mentored through law school as proof of potential, urging students to stay disciplined:
“You can become teachers, lawyers, ministers, or even presidents of Liberia.”
He donated 10 beg of rice and US$100, vowing to advocate for the school among national leaders.
Zansi called the pledge a “wake-up call” to Liberians in government, business and civil society. “No one has looked down on our requests when we approach the right way at the right time, with the right words,” she said, thanking the Chief Justice’s entourage, volunteers, staff, and journalists.
