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Firestone Celebrates Liberian Independence Day with a Sports Festival and Children’s Party
HARBEL, Liberia, West Africa (July 24, 2006)- In commemoration of the 159th Independence Day of the Republic of Liberia on July 26, 2006, Firestone Liberia is organizing and sponsoring a series of sporting activities for children under 15 years of age from various schools within and around the Harbel Community.
According to Industrial Relations Manager J. Feay Roberts, Firestone realizes the tremendous potential of sports in bringing about positive changes in behavior and attitudes in communities and among young people. He said, “We do believe that such activities will help encourage the children of employees to take advantage of the free education being provided by Firestone.”
Wilhelmina Mensah, president of the Female Staff and Staff Wives Association of Firestone, disclosed that two centers have been earmarked to accommodate the children of the Concession area for the festivities. She said that she and her colleagues were ready to welcome thousands of employees’ children at this Independence Day festival. “Our passion and commitment towards our children remain resolute because they are our future leaders,” said Mensah.
The aim of the association is to create an atmosphere that will encourage the female staff and staff wives to work together to plan social activities, projects and programs for the association and the community. First and foremost is to cater to the social and academic needs of the community’s children.
It can be recalled that a similar program was held last year at Divisions 10 and 29. This year’s activities will be held at the Harbel Field House and Division 44 Junior High School.
These programs will be attended by representatives from Firestone, as well as officials from the Ministry of Labor. The events are scheduled to commence at 10 a.m., while the award ceremonies will begin at 5 p.m.
Firestone Liberia is investing in education and rebuilding schools after the devastating civil war. “Our children are our investment for the future,” said Public Affairs Manager G. Rufus Karmorh. Firestone owns and operates 20 schools with an enrollment of about 8,000 students, a figure school authorities and FAWUL officials say will increase following the completion of the ongoing family registration exercise.
