Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has paid tribute to the Lebanese Cultural Union of Liberia and the local business community in general for their tireless efforts in contributing to the reconstruction process of the country.

Speaking Wednesday at the dedication of a newly renovated vocational center at the William V. S. Tubman High School in Sinkor, the President challenged the Lebanese community to go beyond paying taxes and duties by contributing to life-building capacity of the country's youth, an undertaking she described as positive.

The renovation of the equipped vocational center at the school was undertaken by the Lebanese Cultural Union of Liberia. The building of technical and vocational institutions for citizens provides them hope for the future and reduces their dependence on handouts, the President observed.

An Executive Mansion release says the Liberian leader welcomed the construction of more schools, but noted that the responsibility of maintaining and sustaining them rests with the school authorities, students and communities where these institutions are located. She cautioned the authorities of the Monrovia Consolidated School System (MCSS) and the students against abusing the facility and to take advantage of the gesture for the betterment of themselves and the country.

Stressing the importance of agriculture and the dignity of labor, the President urged school authorities in the country to set aside time within their curriculum for extracurricular activities, including agriculture. Regular cleaning around school premises and the planting of flowers, the President emphasized, could instill in the youth an appreciation for work and a clean learning environment.

Speaking earlier, the Lebanese Ambassador and Doyen of the Diplomatic Corps in Liberia, Mansour Abdallah, lauded the Liberian leader for prioritizing education, which he described as a source of hope.

Ambassador Abdallah pledged the Lebanese community's continuous support in the rebuilding process of Liberia. Lebanon and Liberia, he said, will continue to share the joy and sorrow of the love of liberty which brought the two countries together. The Lebanese diplomat called on the students of Tubman High School to acquire the best out of the new equipment and, together, help build a prosperous Liberia.

Education Minister, Dr. Joseph Korto, recounted the celebration of the rehabilitation of several educational facilities throughout the country in the areas of free primary and technical education, and expressed delight that progress has been made in these priority areas. Dr. Korto expressed gratitude to the Lebanese community, and urged other partners to continue to contribute to the educational initiatives of Government.

The program was also attended by other personalities, including Senator Gbehzongar Findley and Representative Ketekumeh Murray, Co-Chairs of the House and Senate Committees on Education; the President of the Lebanese Culture Union of Liberia, Mr. Tony Hage; and Mr. Ezzat Eid of the City Builders Group of Companies - a major contributor and implementer of the project.

The renovation of the Vocational Center at Tubman High cost approximately US$350,000.