Founder’s Message
Welcome to Education First Academy (EFA) — where our belief in the power of education
drives everything we do.
Education First, Inc., the parent organization of EFA, was founded with a simple but powerful
vision: to make quality education accessible to every child, no matter their background or
circumstance. We believe that education is the most transformative tool we can offer — one that
opens minds, builds character, and empowers young people to create lasting change in their lives
and communities.
At Education First Academy in Harper, Liberia, this vision comes to life each day. Our Academy
provides a student-centered learning environment where academic excellence meets creativity,
innovation, and character development. From kindergarten through high school, our students are
encouraged to think critically, act responsibly, and dream boldly — becoming confident,
compassionate leaders ready to make a difference in the world.
EFA is more than a school. It is a family, a community, and a movement of hope. We are deeply
grateful to our dedicated teachers, supportive parents, and committed partners who share our
dream of transforming education in Liberia.
Thank you for believing in this mission and for walking alongside us. Together, we are shaping
the next generation of thinkers, problem-solvers, and leaders who will build a brighter future for
our nation.
Warm regards,
Dr. Blidi Stemn
Executive Director & Founder
Mission Statement
At Education First Academy, we embrace a “Total Child” approach to education. We are dedicated to developing learners who are not only academically strong, but also emotionally resilient, socially responsible, and physically healthy.
Our programs go beyond textbooks engaging students in hands-on, makerspace learning that fosters creativity, problem-solving, and independence. Through this approach, we prepare every child to become self-sufficient, confident, and ready for success beyond the classroom.
Vision
We envision a society where every child and youth in rural and underserved communities across Liberia has access to innovative, high-quality, and affordable education supported by well-trained and dedicated teachers who inspire lifelong learning and leadership.
OUR CORE VALUES
At Education First Academy, our core values guide everything we do—from how we teach to how we serve our community. These values shape the character, mindset, and actions of our students, teachers, and staff.
1. Excellence: We strive for the highest standards in teaching, learning, and leadership. Every student is encouraged to do their best and pursue continuous improvement in all areas of life.
2. Integrity: We uphold honesty, accountability, and ethical behavior. Our students learn that strong character is the foundation of trust and good citizenship.
3. Respect: We foster a culture of kindness, empathy, and appreciation for diversity. Every member of our school community is valued and treated with dignity.
4. Innovation: We embrace creativity and problem-solving through hands-on learning and technology integration, preparing students to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
5. Service: We believe in giving back. Our students are encouraged to contribute positively to their communities and to become agents of change in Liberia and beyond.
6. Collaboration: We value teamwork and partnership among students, parents, teachers, and the wider community, recognizing that education is a shared responsibility.
7. Resilience: We nurture perseverance and a growth mindset, helping students face challenges with confidence and determination.
So, join us in shaping the future of Liberia’s children. Support, volunteer, or partner with EFI today!
Our Team
Dr. Blidi Stemn, Executive Director
Dr. Blidi Stemn,is the Executive Director and Founder of Education First, Inc/Education First Academy in Harper, Liberia. He is an Associate Professor of Mathematics Education at State University of New York at Old Westbury and Chair of the Childhood Education and Literacy Department. He is also the Co-Director of Teacher Opportunity Corps (TOC) a State funded grant program dedicated to increase the rate of historically underrepresented and economically disadvantaged individuals in teaching careers. He has been in the field education for over 30 years in Liberia, United Kingdom, and the United States. He has a doctoral degree from University of Connecticut.
Bledii Chea- Stemm, Event Planner
Mrs. Bledii Chea-Stemn is program planner and fundraiser of Education First, Inc. Bledii holds a BA in Radio Programming, and an FCC license in Program production. She is an entrepreneur at heart. Bledii is a senior Cosmetologist; she is proprietor of two businesses, Bledii C-Cuts barbershop and Reflective Results Braids & Beauty salon in Beltsville Md. She is very passionate about mentoring new beauty school graduates. In her yearning to give back, she run several nursing home salons bringing joy to the faces of the elderly. She enjoys being of service to others, planning events and traveling.
Dr. T. Edwin Freeman, Development Director
Dr. T. Edwin Freeman is Development Director at Education First. He is currently a Technical R&D Fellow at Mars, Inc., where he is responsible for leading the research and development of sustainable materials and driving the company’s commitments to circularity. Edwin is a results-oriented and enthusiastic technical leader with a proven record of successfully leading global cross-functional teams, fostering collaboration at all levels, and driving strategic R&D initiatives and sustainable practices at a number of Global Companies. Under the auspices of UNESCO and The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS), he has provided volunteer services as Visiting Scientist at Tubman University in Liberia, where he conducted lectures and seminars on low cost, environmentally sustainable technologies. Edwin earned his PhD in Polymer Science from The University of Akron, Ohio and he holds over 30 US Patents for various inventions over his career.
Ms. Josephine Jlogbor, Principal, Education First Academy
Ms. Josephine Jlogbor is currently the principal of Education First Academy. She rose from the ranks of classroom assistant and later served as the registrar of the school for 4 years. Ms. Jlogbor holds a Bachekor Science degree in early childhood education from Tubman University in Harper, Liberia.
Mr. David Erskine, Board Chair, Liberia
Mr. David Hne Erskine is the local Board Chairperson of the Education First Academy (EFA). Mr. Erskine also extends both teaching and professional counseling services to students at EFA. Mr. Erskine is the Senior Director of the Department of Enrollment Management, at the William V. S. Tubman University, in Maryland County, Liberia. He holds a Master’s in degree in Educational Foundation and Counseling from the Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife, Nigeria.
Mr. Franklin Buku Nah, Assistant Board Chair, Liberia
Mr. Franklin Buku Nah is the financial and technology director of the local Board of Education First Academy. He also runs the digital education program at the school. He is Assistant Registrar at Tubman University and holds a bachelor’s degree in technology.
Dr. Jacqueline Grennon-Brooks, Member
Dr. Jacqueline Grennon Brooks is a special advisor to the Board of Directors at Education First, Inc. She is a Professor Emerita in the Department of Teaching, Literacy and Leadership at Hofstra University. She is a co-founder of the Long Island Explorium, a children’s museum of science and engineering in Port Jefferson, NY. She served as the founding director of the Biotechnology Teaching Lab and the Discover Lab at Stony Brook University and directed its Science Teacher Preparation Program. At Hofstra University, she directed the Institute for the Development of Education in the Advanced Sciences, the Science Education Program, and STEM Studio, a clinical practice site for new teachers.
Mrs. Rheba Jules, Administrative Volunteer
Mrs. Rheba Jules is the Administrative Assistant volunteer of the Board of Directors of Education First, Inc. and a sponsor of a student at Education First Academy. She is the Director of Academic Services & Outreach, School of Education, State University of New York at Old Westbury.
Seleke Kromah – Social Media & Website Manager
Seleke Kromah, manages the digital presence of Education First Academy, overseeing the school’s social media platforms and website. He is a Liberian currently studying in Rwanda and a final-year International Relations student. Seleke is also a graduate of the ALX Virtual Assistant Program, making him a certified VA who supports gigs and startups to grow. He works as a freelancer specializing in virtual assistance, content management, and digital communication. His work strengthens the institution’s visibility and engagement across all online platforms.Digital Literacy Program
Equipping students with the skills to effectively and responsibly find, evaluate, communicate, and share online content is key to their futures.
Education First, Inc. was founded to help address the education needs of children and youths in underserved communities in the southeastern region of Liberia.