By GEM-Liberia Team | Executive Director & Project Lead
Report Title:
Germinating Every Mind-Liberia (GEM) and the Jennifer Albee Enrichment School extend our profound gratitude to GlobalGiving and to all of our generous donors for your continued support to girls in Liberia. Because of you, girls from some of the most economically challenged communities near Monrovia are gaining access to safe, high-quality education and life-changing opportunities. Over the past six academic years of operation, more than 200 girls have significantly improved their literacy skills and around 100 girls have acquired at least one vocational skill, increasing their ability to support themselves and their families.
GEM-Liberia is pleased to present this periodic report, covering the period from February 2026 to May 13, 2026. This report reflects our ongoing commitment to transparency and accountability to GlobalGiving and to our donors.
Summary of Activities (February – May 13, 2026)
During this reporting period, GEM-Liberia and the Jennifer Albee Enrichment School achieved the following key milestones:
1. Completion of the 5th Marking Period
We successfully concluded the 5th marking period across all grade levels. Teachers submitted assessments and report cards on time, and students received feedback to help them prepare for national exams. This timely completion keeps us aligned with the Ministry of Education’s academic calendar and allows us to continuously track and support student progress. For many girls, this consistent rhythm of teaching, feedback, and improvement is something they would not experience without your support.
2. Participation in Liberia’s First-Ever National Education Symposium
Our vice principal and administrator, Mr. Earley, along with four students, represented the Jennifer Albee Enrichment School at Liberia’s first National Education Symposium. The participating students expressed their appreciation for the opportunity and highlighted how the symposium deepened their understanding of learning and education in Liberia. Mr. Earley received training in classroom management, the use of technology in the classroom, and accountability in school leadership. At the close of the symposium, he received a certificate of participation, which further validates the school’s commitment to professional development and national standards. This exposure helps us bring back new ideas, teaching techniques, and partnerships that directly benefit our students.
3. Academic Progress: National Exam Participation
For the second consecutive year, the Jennifer Albee Enrichment School participated in the national middle school examinations administered by the Government of Liberia.
2026 Participation:
Continued participation in these national exams demonstrates our commitment to high academic standards and accountability. We use the exam results to strengthen instruction, identify areas needing extra support, and ensure our students are meeting the same benchmarks as peers in larger schools in Monrovia.
Your support ensures that girls from low-income families can sit for these exams with the preparation, confidence, and dignity they deserve.
4. Major Achievement: Founder Named Education Brand Ambassador
A historic milestone for GEM-Liberia and the Jennifer Albee Enrichment School occurred on April 25, 2026. Our founder and principal, Madam Davidetta Togba Cassell, earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Primary Education from LICOSESS College of Education. She not only graduated, but she graduated as Valedictorian with a perfect 4.0 GPA, ranking first out of 1,230 graduating students.
In her valedictory address, Madam Cassell reminded the audience that “only Liberians will build Liberia.” She challenged all Liberians to embrace hard work, merit-based systems, and integrity as foundations for national development. Her speech received standing ovations from parents, teachers, and local leaders.
In recognition of her outstanding academic performance and leadership, LICOSESS College of Education named Madam Cassell its newest Education Brand Ambassador. This prestigious role positions her as a model for current and future teachers across Liberia.
The Future Teachers Project
Using her new platform as Education Brand Ambassador, Madam Cassell immediately launched The Future Teachers Project. This initiative targets unskilled in-service teachers who are passionate about education but face financial barriers to formal training. Through a memorandum of understanding with LICOSESS College of Education, these teachers can now enroll in accredited teacher training programs, and a structured payment plan reduces cost as a barrier to earning official teaching credentials.
How This Elevates GEM-Liberia and the Jennifer Albee Enrichment School
Impact on Female Students
Madam Cassell’s achievement powerfully challenges the narrative that girls cannot lead academically. Seeing a woman valedictorian from a class of 1,230 graduates tells every girl at the Jennifer Albee Enrichment School: “You can be first.”
The girls now see that hard work and excellence are recognized at the national level, not just on school report cards and a girl from a modest background can rise to become a national role model. Parents are already reporting that their daughters show increased interest in leadership roles in class and in school activities.
Impact on Our Teachers
Our teaching staff is now led by someone who has mastered the same national curriculum that they teach. Her 4.0 record strengthens the merit-based culture she promotes. Madam Cassell has introduced weekly peer-coaching sessions based on best practices from LICOSESS College of Education. These sessions are already improving lesson planning, classroom management, and instructional quality. Teachers report higher morale and a greater sense of professional pride.
Impact on Prospective Students and Families
The recognition of our founder as Education Brand Ambassador has enhanced the school’s reputation across the community. Parents increasingly see the Jennifer Albee Enrichment School as a pathway to quality education and future opportunity for their daughters. More families are inquiring about enrollment.
Your Role in These Achievements
None of these achievements would be possible without you. Your donations through GlobalGiving ensure that girls can attend school, receive quality instruction, and sit for national exams with confidence. Your generosity helps us provide a safe learning environment, learning materials, and supportive programs that keep girls in school and help them thrive. Your support contributed to the success of students and staff who represented us at the National Education Symposium and to the joyful celebrations around our founder’s graduation and new ambassador role. The food, drinks, and logistics for our recent Gala Day were funded by donor contributions through GlobalGiving and local partners. Because of you, nine students took national exams with dignity and confidence, and our students celebrated learning in a joyful, affirming space.
Next Steps
In the coming months, we will share national exam results when released and will begin teacher workshops led by Madam Cassell in July. With your continued partnership, we can reach more girls, train more teachers, and deepen our impact in the community.
With deep gratitude,
GEM-Liberia Team
Monrovia, Liberia
By Davidetta Togba Cassell | Executive Director
By Davidetta Togba Cassell | Executive Director & Project Lead
Project reports on GlobalGiving are posted directly to globalgiving.org by Project Leaders as they are completed, generally every 3-4 months. To protect the integrity of these documents, GlobalGiving does not alter them; therefore you may find some language or formatting issues.
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