In the quest to provide for quality education in Liberia, Nimba County Representative, Matenokay Tingban has launched what he calls “back to school initiative” in District #9 in Nimba County.
Rep. Tingban said the initiative is intended to support the efforts of school authorities and parents in providing quality education for Liberian children.
Addressing group of elementary School students in Dompa Town, Doe Administrative District, Rep. Tingban said even though the initiative was launched few months since the academic year started, it is intended now to motivate every child in the district, especially the less fortunate ones to go to school.
Rep. Tingban who donated six thousand (6,000) copy books to the school system in the district, told school authorities and students that the gesture is part of effort to boost government's free and compulsory primary education.
According to Rep. Tingban, the cost of the copy books is over three thousand United States Dollars (US$3,000). He called on authorities to distribute the copy books among students of the District and not to be sold.
In return, students and school authorities in the district thanked Rep. Tingban for the initiative, adding that he is the first Lawmaker to undertake such initiative.
At the same time Rep Tingban has presented report covering his activities during the first sitting of the 53rd National Legislature.
During series of meetings held in each of the three administrative districts that make up his electoral district #9 in Nimba County, Rep. Tingban told citizens that during the first sitting, he submitted one bill and several communications, all in the interest of the district and the country.
He said the bill seeks to amend part II Section 6:1,2 &3 of the Act that established the Central Bank of Liberia, which states that “The Central Bank shall have its head office in Monrovia, Liberia and may establish sub offices in each of the 15 political sub-division.” According to Rep. Tingban, when amended, it shall be “The Central Bank shall have its head office in Monrovia, Liberia and shall establish branches within the 15 political sub-divisions of Liberia and other major given cities in Liberia.”
Rep. Tingban said he has written series of communications, such as a communication for budgetary allocation for the construction of a magisterial court and police station in district #9 in Nimba County; a communication for the re-appointment of all justices of the Peace as required by the Constitution; and a communication to lift the travel ban imposed on some Liberians by the United Nations.
Rep. Tingban told the citizens that he is in serious consultation for the elevation of the district to statutory status.
He disclosed that there are on-going discussions with the Embassies of the United States and the Peoples' Republic of China for the construction of 10 bridges in the district.
Rep. Tingban further unveiled plans to shortly undertake several development projects in the district. The projects include; the construction of a clan chief compounds in all the six clans of the district, and market halls, among others.
Hon. Tingban noted that more than twenty seven (27) students from the district attending universities and colleges are benefiting from his scholarships. He said eleven (11) of them are attending different universities in Liberia while the remaining seventeen (17) are attending the Nimba County Community College. He added that his support to the students is his own way of contributing to youth development, especially through capacity building.
At the same time, Rep. Tingban also disclosed plans to launch the construction of one of the major roads in the district. The more than 25 kilometers road project will link Tappita through Ziah to Yarwin Mehnssonoh. The project is expected to be officially launched on the 15th of this month.
Rep. Tingban, on a weeklong tour in the district called on his constituents to reconcile their political differences and unite.
Tingban: “Election is over, politics is over, all of us have to come together and develop our district, you can hate me as Tingban, but don't hate your own district, you see why America is developed; it is because they love their country, not individuals. So we can do the same.”
Meanwhile, citizens of the district have highly appreciated Rep. Tingban for the report and his hard work for the district.
The citizens said for a long period of time, they have had wrong understanding about the work of lawmakers, but with Rep. Tingban's vivid explanation of his first year at the legislature, has given them a broader insight about the job.
They lauded the report and want him to continue working in the interest of the district so as to bring changes and development.
