— Engaging AND EMPOWERING CommunitIES
One-Day Gender-Based Violence Training Held for Bassa High School GBV Club
A one-day Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Training for members of the GBV Club established by the Grassroots Agency for Social Services (GRASS), with support from the European Union (EU), was held on November 11, 2025, in the former American Corner Conference Room at Bassa High School.
The training brought together several key stakeholders, including the County Education Officer, Hon. the Principal of Bassa High, Secretary of the Bassa Teachers Association, former head of the American Corner, the Guidance Counselor, and members of the Fourth Estate (media representatives).
The event began with an invocation led by Rev. Clarence O. Reeves, followed by welcome remarks from the Principal Mr. Theophlilus Frankyu, who expressed gratitude to the European Union for its ongoing support to the education sector, particularly in the area of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). He emphasized that the EU’s contributions are fostering tangible development that is improving lives across the county. Addressing the students, the Principal urged GBV Club members to take the training seriously, pledging both moral and financial support from the school administration to GRASS’s initiatives.
In his remarks, Barley Togba, National Program Coordinator of GRASS, explained the genesis of the project and its significance to the county. He highlighted the EU’s support and discussed the growing concern of gender-based violence in various sectors. Mr. Togba noted that as students gain skills and transition into the workforce, they must be aware of and help combat GBV issues in their communities and workplaces. He specifically mentioned the need to engage groups such as the Motorcyclists Union and illicit miners, noting that some of these groups have been associated with harmful behaviors, including actions contributing to female students dropping out of school. He encouraged club members to adopt a community-focused approach, assuring them that GRASS would continue to collaborate with them.
The County Education Officer, Hon. Jefferson D. Vobah in his special remarks, urged students to prioritize their studies and avoid distractions that could derail their academic goals. He emphasized the importance of discipline and personal responsibility, thanked the EU for its support, and commended GRASS for its community development initiatives.
The Secretary of the Bassa Teachers Association, Mr. S. Jones Massquoi, also expressed appreciation to the EU for its support to Liberia’s education sector and encouraged GRASS to expand similar training programs to other schools. He pledged the Association’s full support to GRASS’s efforts to combat GBV.
The training was facilitated by Madam Maima R. Potter, a registered nurse and Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) focal person with the Liberian Government. Her presentation covered key topics such as Sexual Abuse, Rape, Sexual Harassment, Reproductive Coercion, and Harmful Traditional practices, among others. Madam Potter’s session was praised for its clarity, relevance, and use of real-life examples that deeply engaged participants.
In their feedback, Desmond B. Dunn, head of the GBV Club and a 12th-grade student, and Miss Comfort F. A. Kaba from the 10th grade, thanked the EU support and the facilitator for the valuable knowledge shared. Both pledged to serve as ambassadors for GBV awareness within the school and the broader community. The school’s Guidance Counselor, Madam Meima M. Corneh also committed to supporting the club’s continued activities.
A total of twenty students—ten males and ten females—participated in the training.
