Liberia’s lottery authority back-to-school program supports students with disabilities
The distribution process involves close collaboration with school administrators, county education officers and local community leaders to ensure the supplies reach the intended beneficiaries efficiently.
Liberia.- The National Lottery Authority (NLA) has launched a comprehensive back-to-school initiative, distributing essential school supplies to blind, deaf and mute students in public schools across 11 counties.
The program, which kicked off in Ganta, Nimba County, on September 10, 2025, seeks to equip vulnerable children with the tools needed for the upcoming 2025-2026 academic year, easing financial pressures on low-income families and promoting equitable access to learning opportunities.
The donated items include book bags, notebooks, pens, pencils, erasers, sharpeners, rulers and other fundamental school essentials. These materials were particularly selected to address the basic needs of students with disabilities, ensuring they can participate fully in classroom activities. The NLA’s effort targets public schools in Montserrado, Margibi, Grand Bassa, Bomi, Grand Cape Mount, Gbarpolu, Bong, Nimba, Grand Gedeh, River Gee and Maryland counties.
Helena Bobo Dour, Assistant Director of Social Welfare at NLA, emphasised the organisation’s dedication to educational equity during the launch event. She said: “We believe that education is the key to national development, and every Liberian child deserves the tools to learn, grow and succeed. Our goal is not only to support children in such conditions in accessing education but also to uplift entire communities. These school supplies may seem small, but they make a big difference in keeping them in school and encouraging learning.”
The distribution process involves close collaboration with school administrators, county education officers and local community leaders to ensure the supplies reach the intended beneficiaries efficiently. This partnership approach ensures aid is tailored to local needs, while promoting community engagement in educational support.
Funding for the project comes from revenues generated by the NLA’s gaming operations. It aligns with Liberia’s national Rescue Agenda for inclusive development, which prioritises investments in education, health and community upliftment. By repurposing gaming funds in this manner, the NLA demonstrates a model of responsible public revenue use that contributes to long-term national progress.
This initiative builds on the NLA’s history of community-oriented projects. In March 2025, the NLA sponsored the National Kickball League with L$2.7m (€12,908), underscoring its commitment to youth and sports development.
