Bombomma Clan Visit: Gbarpolu County

Teacher Consultant Group, Inc

stacydocs20@gmail.com

Introduction
On July 11, 2018, during my 3-week visit to Liberia, I met with the Elders and community
members of Bombomma Clan in Gbarpolu County. The purpose of the meeting was to obtain
input from the community regarding plans for the proposed school project by Teacher Consultant
Group, Inc.
Participants/ Chiefs and their areas of jurisdiction

1. Johnson Dannah- Paramount Chief, Gungbeyah Chiefdom, Bopolu District,Gbarpolu

County, Liberia
2. Varney Dannah- Clan Chief, Bombomma Clan, Gungbeyah Chiefdom, Bopolu District,
Gbarpolu county, Liberia.
3. Koryan Varmah- General Town Chief, Bombomma Clan, Gungbeyah Chiefdom, Bopolu
District, Gbarpolu county, Liberia
4. Matenneh Konneh- General Health Volunteer
5. Zombo Konneh- Chair Lady
6. Community Members
7. Isaac Varmah- Liaison

Deliberations
The meeting was chaired by Isaac Varmah who welcomed and introduced the participants. He
also served as interpreter during the deliberations.

I expressed appreciation on behalf of TCG, to the Clan for their generosity in donating land for
purpose of building a school for the children of Gbarpolu County, specifically Bombomma. I
then presented the proposal for the school project and asked for their input. I emphasized TCG’s
commitment to delivering a Culturally Relevant Responsive pedagogy that would meet their
needs. It is important to note that the Chiefs were particularly interested when told that our goal
is to educate their children, while maintaining their culture. Then the question of allowing girls
to attend the Sande Society was raised. This is a very sensitive issue because it involves girls
leaving school and female circumcision.

When asked about things important to the community, responses included:

 Agriculture- being able to feed themselves by growing their own food and
 Trading-selling what is left after feeding their families
 Vocational School: they want their children to learn trades such as mechanics,
plumbing…
In discussing obstacles that prevent young people from meeting their goals or achieving their
dreams, they stated:
 Early Pregnancy: due to lack of extracurricular activities
  Lack of ‘good’ teachers and schools- teachers go back to the city due to lack of support.
*Best teacher in the district with a C Certificate left- no housing
How do they sustain themselves?
 Fishing  Making and selling fire coals
 Farming (hand to mouth)  Pottery
 Hunting  Weaving

The Land
The people described their land as rich. If what their land provides is fully integrated, TCG will
be able to provide a Culturally Relevant Responsive pedagogy that will impact lives.
When asked to describe their land, they were quick to describe it as “rich” in vegetation that
produces a lot of cash crops such as:

 Rubber  Pawpaw  Rice

 Palm  Sweet potatoes  Corn
 Cocoa  Peppers  Yam
 Plantain  Cassava  Sugar cane
 Bananas  Potato greens

Others include building materials such as: arbura, vamera, wasmo and tetra.
There are many trees/forests along the route to Bomboma Clan which prompted the discussion of
the types animals that live there.
Ground hog Squirrel Red deer Bush cow
Bush hog Snakes Snail Alligator
Monkey Mountain deer Antelope Ant bear
Possum

As part of TCG’s proposal a school council consisting of citizens from nearby communities
headed the Clan Chief will be instituted. The school will be centrally located and towns within
the school community include:

1, Bombomma 2. Konnehla 3. Nyenlala

4. Kissi Camp 5. Sumo 6. Kaman
7. Bawelli 8. Compoundsu 9. Damo
10. Goduoma

The Proposed Site

I was unable to visit the site due to the heavy rains that washed away the bridge. People crossed
over by walking on a log. I was not brave enough to walk on the log. Video.

School Council -Members of the Council (bold):

Bombomma-Salia Kezellee 2. Konnehla -Morris Swarray 3. Nyenlala- Mamadee Sirleaf 4.
Kissi Camp--Korto Mulbah 5. Kpanna Forkpa 6. Kaman--Mama Ketteh 7. Bawelli--Sianeh
Blackman 8. Compoundsu--Sumo Barclay 9. Damo--Moses Harris 10. Goduoma--Sawo
Burphy

Funding
In discussions with potential donors we were told to return in October due to the current
economic state. Meanwhile, we will pursue grants and explore other fundraising activities.