Monrovia — The University of Liberia (UL) this week received its first batch of new armchairs from the civic group Voices of the Elders (VOTE), marking a major milestone in an ambitious effort to resolve the university’s longstanding classroom seating shortage.
“Operation Seat UL” – a massive six-month campaign led by VOTE, dedicated to securing 22,000 new classroom chairs to ensure that all 28,000 UL students across 233 classrooms on its four campuses finally have a seat to sit in during class, launched in November.
On Tuesday, VOTE delivered its first 100 chairs to UL during a ceremony in the Capitol Hill Auditorium. UL President Dr. Layli Maparyan accepted the chairs with enthusiasm and expressed gratitude to the Elders for their contribution, saying “it is a great way to end 2025.”
Sister Mary Laurene Browne, chairperson of the Operation Seat UL campaign, announced that future deliveries will be publicly celebrated when the halfway mark of 11,000 chairs is reached and again upon completion of the 22,000-chair goal.
“We plan to have two other presentations, God willing, after this one,” she said. “We will reach the 5,000 mark and then we will continue until we achieve our goal of 22,000. And that will happen, in the name of the Lord. Amen.”
VOTE, in collaboration with the Alumni Association of the University of Liberia, is organizing the effort and calling on all Liberians to donate the cause. The campaign primarily uses radio stations to encourage donations, while also actively engaging Liberians in Liberia and the diaspora.
This week’s presentation ceremony is a significant step in fulfilling the campaign’s promise. At the campaign’s launch in November, US$2,000 in cash, US$6,000 in checks, and LRD 2,360 were donated to jumpstart the effort. The minimum cost of one armchair is US $20.
The armchairs are produced by local carpenters affiliated with the Association of Carpenters of Liberia. Maparyan also thanked these carpenters, highlighting their vital role in the community.
“On behalf of the University of Liberia, I am beyond delighted to accept this first donation of 100 armchairs for our students and classrooms. I must say that these chairs are stunning,” she said. “Their green color will make them stand out and inspire gratitude in everyone who sees them.”
Additionally, the President announced for every classroom filled with armchairs for students; UL will also provide matching furniture for instructors.
“So, you will hear from us again, as we will come to you with a green table and chair for the teacher,” Dr. Maparyan said. “This is exciting, a great day, and a wonderful way to conclude 2025. If I might add, across the bridge, we will begin 2026 with this great gift as well.”
Dr. Augustine Konneh, a member of the UL Board, praised the seating initiative and conveyed greetings from the university’s Visitor, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai.
UL Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Agnes Reeves Taylor described the donation as outstanding, expressing her anticipation for more homegrown initiatives.
“This is amazing, and we look forward to these kinds of initiatives, where our own Liberians, members of the Board of Trustees, and alumni can contribute to such an important venture,” said Dr. Reeves Taylor.
Donors can deposit cash at the United Bank for Africa, UBA, in USD account number 53030550022117, and for LRD account 53030550022124. Alternatively, they may send cash to mobile money numbers 0772557492 and 0889079922.
The post Liberia: UL receives first 100 donated armchairs, part of larger, sweeping campaign to provide a seat for every student appeared first on FrontPageAfrica.
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