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Vol. 3, Iss. 1 | July 13, 2009Letter from the PresidentIn this issue of Firestone Voice, I am pleased to report on the many good things Firestone Liberia has done in the first half of 2009, despite the trying economic times. While Firestone Liberia is not immune to the effects of the global economic recession, we are making the best of it with the help of many. The Donation Cargo Program continues to transport aid to Liberians as a number of non-profit organizations continue to lend a helping hand to those in need. Our blog features one such example of this giving spirit in the story of a 13-year-old California girl who sent her second shipment of books and toys to Liberian children earlier this year. On the education front, Firestone Liberia recently announced the names of the 88 young people who qualified for scholarships in our 2009-2010 scholarship program, which pays the tuition of deserving primary, secondary and undergraduate students at a school of their choice. We also contributed to the awards given to the winners of a nationwide spelling bee, sponsored by the American Library at the United States Embassy in Liberia, which featured the top three spellers from each county in the country. We cheered on three of our own students from the Firestone School System who made it all the way to the final round — a true testament to the dedication and hard work of Firestone Liberia's teachers, staff and students. Finally, Firestone Liberia is excited to announce the completion of construction of its new marketplace and its plans to build a new residential community on the site of the old market. Construction of these two projects is not the first — and certainly will not be the last — new development on Firestone's property. No matter the economic times, Firestone has long been committed, and will remain committed, to the Liberian people. Thank you for your continued interest in our company and its employees. Dan Adomitis, President Firestone Liberia's Scholarship Program Offered for the 2009-2010 School YearFor decades, Firestone Liberia has offered scholarships to deserving students in the surrounding area — and this year is no different. Nearly 90 students have earned scholarships in our 2009-2010 scholarship program. This spring the application process was opened once again to reward students on a job well done in the classroom. This program pays the tuition of deserving primary, secondary and undergraduate students at the school of their choice. (Since primary education in Liberia is generally not "free," Firestone scholarships are even made available at this level! Primary education is of course offered free to the almost 17,000 children of Firestone employees.) Those students who received the Firestone Liberia scholarship throughout the 2008-2009 school year automatically qualified for the 2009-2010 scholarship if they had a collective GPA of 85 percent or above for students in grades two through 12 or a GPA of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale for those students at the undergraduate level. New applicants were required to submit an application as well as:
The students who satisfied all of the requirements were invited for testing in math, science and social studies. They were also asked to complete an essay on a given topic. We'd like to congratulate all of the young men and women who have earned scholarships. There is no greater gift than the gift of education; Firestone Liberia maintains that a strong educational system is key to Liberia's future. Donation Cargo Program Continues to Thrive in 2009Despite the economic times, the Donation Cargo Program continues to thrive. A constant stream of applications continues to flow in from those who want to utilize the space on Firestone-owned ships to send donations to Liberia.
On Jan. 15, 2009, the Wichita, Kansas-based nonprofit organization Trees For Life, Inc. sent approximately 17,000 textbooks to the Minister of Education, James Emmanuel Roberts. On March 16, 2009, a Firestone-owned vessel set sail for Liberia laden with construction materials, furniture, clothing, books, LCD projectors, televisions, DVD players and a copier from Cross Creek Church in St. Johns, Fla. On April 12, 2009, the First Presbyterian Church of Jackson, Miss., participated in the Donation Cargo Program by shipping construction materials, clothing, furniture, household furnishings, shelving and tools and appliances to the African Bible College. The beginning of summer has proven to be just as busy. Books, clothes, shoes, textbooks, school supplies, medical supplies, office supplies and tools are set to go out on behalf of the Prince Ibrahima and Isabella Freedom Foundation; the International Book Project; Dehcontee Liberian Dance Company, Inc.; Spirit Liberia, Inc.; and African Bible Colleges. With the global recession taking its toll in Liberia, the Donation Cargo Program offers an invaluable service that makes a difference in the lives of many. We are encouraged by the many applications we continue to receive and want to thank everyone for their steadfast generosity. Firestone Liberia, Students Participate in U.S. Embassy Spelling BeeThe competition heated up as the finalists traveled from all over Liberia to compete in the finale of the spelling bee sponsored by the American Library at the United States Embassy in Liberia. The contest consumed Meg Riggs, Public Affairs Officer of the United States Embassy, for the past few months as she traveled from county to county to host spelling bees at the participating schools. Four students from each of the 15 counties she visited were chosen to participate in the finals. Firestone Liberia is proud to have been a part of such an exciting educational opportunity for these students. We joined with the American Embassy Community and Monrovia Brewery Incorporated to contribute the cash award that was given to the first, second and third place winners of the finale. The $2,400, $1,600 and $1,200 prizes, respectively, will be deposited into a local bank in the winners' names to go toward tuition. They are:
We're proud of the winners, and we're particularly proud of the three Firestone School System students who were finalists in the competition:
Firestone Liberia Completes Construction on New Marketplace
Out with the old, in with the new — Firestone Liberia has invested in a new, modern marketplace for Harbel residents to enjoy. Just in the past few months, Firestone Liberia knocked down the old marketplace and has plans to build a new residential community in its place named Harbelville. The marketplace has recently been completed, and it is already receiving praise from the local community. In a recent article in The Informer, the Liberian Marketing Association ("LMA") Superintendent, Esther Karsue, expressed confidence that the local economy will improve as a result of its construction.
The new marketplace is organized into sections based on type of product sold, which helps ease congestion, and it includes a playground, stores, hand water pumps, a warehouse and other features, making this a one-stop-shop for Firestone employees and residents of nearby communities. With the construction of the new marketplace and plans to build a new residential community, Firestone Liberia reaffirms its commitment to the rebuilding of Liberia after a devastating 14-year civil war. |
