EDUCATION FIRST, Inc.

Despite the surmounting problems faced by schools and teachers as a result of the 14 years of civil unrest, Dr. Stemn came across some dedicated teachers with limited to no resources teaching in abandoned buildings and open areas. These teachers were making the best of the limited resources available to them at the time.

In September 2012, Education First Academy was established in Harper Liberia with 40 children from pre-kindergarten to grade 2. Now, approximately 400 children are receiving quality education and the education program has been extended to include grade 3 through 9 (junior high school). Other programs include afterschool remedial sessions, digital literacy, arts and craft, and extracurricular activities.

VISION

Education First, Inc., envisions a society where all children and youths in rural and underserved communities in Liberia have full access to innovative, high quality, and affordable education.

MISSION STATEMENT

We aspire to a “Total Child” approach to education. That is, a successful learner one who is knowledgeable not only in traditional academic subjects but emotionally and physically healthy and engaged in makerspace education that prepares children and youths to be elf-sufficient and ready for the world beyond formal education. 

OUR CORE VALUES

Accountability - We hold ourselves accountable for our own actions, admit when we failed our own standards, and always strive to be our best selves.

Appreciation - We show appreciation for one another whenever possible. We appreciate our donors, board members, parents, teachers, and support staff for everything they do for us and appreciate the kindness of our friends.

Growth - We have growth mindsets. We always believe we can improve and work every day to learn something new.
High Expectations – We have high expectations of ourselves, the students in our school system, teachers, and staff and believe that we can achieve more than we set out to.

Honesty - We value honesty when communicating with one another. The greatest test of honesty is when we must admit when we are wrong.

Integrity - We are both honest and driven by a clear moral compass. We believe that students with integrity strive to always do the right thing.

Perseverance - We recognize that learning is hard, but we can reach our learning goals with the guidance of our teachers and the support of our friends.

Excellence - We are an organization that strives to excellence in academic, extra-curricular activities, and artistic pursuits.
Critical Thinking – We embrace and encourage thinking critically about the world’s problems. We strive to teach students how to learn and be analytical so they can go out into the world as lifelong learners to solve the problems of the 21st Century.