Rowina Founder
The Vision for Village Empowerment Initiative (VEI) was brought to light on December 25, 2021 when Rowina, founder of VEI visited her village after 20 years in the United States. During her visit, she learned that large numbers of her village children lacked a local school. Joined by a team of like-minded leaders, Rowina began by funding two teachers to teach about 40 children, only to see enrollment surge to 130. The rise underscored the need for a larger, fully functional school and sustainable support.
A breakthrough came when the district commissioner for the local church issued a building proposal, aligning community effort with local support. VEI collaborated with the town and another NGO to complete a six-classroom facility with five bathrooms and two offices, covering doors, plumbing, ceilings, and staff compensation. To ensure ongoing success, VEI launched a crowdfunding campaign and mobilized donors to fund classrooms, uniforms, school supplies, and the school’s annual operations.
Today, VEI operates the Karken Town Community Primary School in Margibi County, Liberia. The organization funds and supports the school’s infrastructure, delivers essential student materials, ensures monthly teacher stipends, and covers the annual operating budget. Plans for expansion include adding K1 and K2 classrooms, plus a library and learning center to foster literacy and lifelong learning.
VEI is also dedicated to connecting Liberian-descendant youth in the United States with their roots through cultural programs. VEI plans involve partnerships with community leaders, other vision-aligned organizations, and creating activities that celebrate heritage and foster identity.