by alumnus Kenneth Y. Awadjie
The visible decline of Bishop Ferguson High School in Harper, Maryland County, is both shameful and heartbreaking. Once a proud symbol of educational excellence in southeastern Liberia, the school now stands in a state of disturbing neglect; its buildings are gradually fading into ruins, and its legacy is drifting toward oblivion.
For decades, Bishop Ferguson High School represented more than just a place of learning. It was an institution that molded generations of Liberians—teachers, administrators, public servants, and community leaders—who contributed meaningfully to national development. Its influence extended far beyond Maryland County, serving as a cornerstone of the proud tradition of mission-based education in Liberia.
Yet today, what remains of this once-vibrant institution reflects a troubling silence and apparent indifference. The stewardship of this historic school rests largely with the Episcopal Church of Liberia, which historically established and guided many educational institutions across the country. It is, therefore, deeply concerning to observe what appears to be a lack of decisive intervention to rescue Bishop Ferguson High School from its current deterioration.
Educational heritage is not merely about buildings; it is about preserving institutions that carry history, values, and opportunities for future generations. When such institutions collapse, communities lose not only infrastructure but also their identity and hope.
The situation calls for urgent reflection and immediate action. The Episcopal Church, school alumni, local authorities, and national stakeholders must come together to develop a comprehensive restoration and revitalization plan. Allowing Bishop Ferguson High School to fade into history through neglect would be a profound disservice to the generations it once served and to those who still look to it for opportunity.
Liberia cannot afford to watch its historic educational institutions disappear one by one. Bishop Ferguson High School deserves restoration, renewal, and a renewed commitment—not abandonment.
Formal Petition to the Episcopal Church
Subject: Petition for the Restoration and Revitalization of Bishop Ferguson High School
To: The Leadership of the Episcopal Church of Liberia
I, along with many concerned citizens, alumni, and friends of Bishop Ferguson High School, do respectfully submit this petition to draw urgent attention to the alarming deterioration of this historic institution.
Bishop Ferguson High School has, for decades, stood as one of the most respected educational institutions in southeastern Liberia. Through the commitment and vision of the Episcopal Church, the school helped educate generations of Liberians who have gone on to serve the nation and the Episcopal Church in various capacities.
Unfortunately, the current state of the school reflects a severe decline, with many of its structures deteriorating and its presence in the educational landscape fading. This situation is deeply troubling for alumni, community members, and all who value the legacy of mission-based education in Liberia.
The Episcopal Church in Liberia, which historically established and nurtured this school, has a moral and historical responsibility to ensure that it does not fade into oblivion. Allowing such an important educational landmark to decline undermines not only the legacy of the Church but also the aspirations of young people in Maryland County who deserve access to quality education.
The situation calls for urgent reflection, renewed commitment, and collaborative action between the Church, alumni, government authorities, and development partners to restore Bishop Ferguson High School to a standard worthy of its legacy. Educational institutions of such historic significance should not be remembered only through ruins; they should continue to inspire future generations.
We, therefore, respectfully call upon the Episcopal Church of Liberia to:
- Conduct an urgent institutional and infrastructural assessment of Bishop Ferguson High School.
- Develop a clear restoration and revitalization plan for the school.
- Engage alumni, community leaders, and development partners in a collaborative rebuilding effort.
- Establish a sustainable management and funding strategy to prevent further deterioration.
Bishop Ferguson High School represents an important chapter in Liberia’s educational history. Its preservation and revitalization would reaffirm the Episcopal Church’s long-standing commitment to education and community development.
We urge the leadership of the Church to act decisively to restore this institution to its rightful place as a center of learning and opportunity in Maryland County. The legacy of this historic endeavor rests squarely on the Episcopal Church of Liberia, and posterity will be the judge.
Respectfully submitted,
Kenneth Yao Awadjie Alumnus, Bishop Ferguson High School / Advocate for its Restoration
