Minutes

LIBERIAN DIASPORA EDUCATION FUND

DATE:  May 21, 2022

The Liberian Diaspora Education Fund met on Saturday, May 21, 2022, to discuss the next steps concerning revamping the educational system in Liberia.

1. The team discussed setting up the Liberian Diaspora Education Fund. It was mentioned that one of our members spoke to a company that can set up, run, and operate the fund. 
2. The group decided to share the responsibilities. It was decided that everyone would work in groups to accomplish various tasks. Williams/Dr. Davidson will handle the setup of the website, the completion of the documentary, and the like, Williams/Dr. Kulah will continue to search for endowment funds reps, Vaa/Dr. Kulah will work on setting up the 501c.
3. Development/Enhancement of Measurable Standards for Grade Levels- Dr. Kulah/Korbalagae
4. Teachers Training- Stevens, Dr. Kulah
5. Curriculum Revamping- Kulah, Ruelita, Korbalage
6. Creating Easy Access for Students with Disabilities-Maxson Kpakio, Perkins
7. Technology- Davidson, Charles, Williams
8. Teachers Incentive- Vaa
9. The group discussed doing a few fundraisers both in the States and abroad (UK, China, Australia, etc). Talked about planning telethon, online marketing campaign, possible face-to-face, etc. to raise funds.  Also discussed sending links to family members, friends, and others to contribute.
10. The team came up with suggestions of how to do a successful event in December of 2022. The goal is to travel to Liberia, deliver books/materials to the schools, engage the stakeholders, and conduct needs assessments that will inform the team of how to proceed.  All information gleaned will be used to not only enhance the project but assist with a possible national conference in the upcoming year (2023).
11. The team decided upon the major first few projects that funds would be used for. These included:
12. Development/Enhancement of Measurable Standards for Grade Levels
13. Teachers Training
14. Curriculum Revamping
15. Creating Easy Access for Students with Disabilities
16. Technology
17. Teachers Incentive
18. The team decided that the endowment fund would be disbursed in the following way(s):
19. Complete the application to get the money from the fund admins.
20. Request funds in either check or wire.
21. Submit an application to a committee that will be set up to review the application. Once the application is approved by the team, it will be sent to the fund’s admins for funding.  Once funds have been dispersed and used, receipts/reports will be provided.  Surveys will also be conducted.
22. Quarterly/annually reports will be provided by the group. A subcommittee within the group will be set up to review the aforementioned reports. An annual audit will be conducted by an outside group.