17/04/2026
Annual Report of the Paynesville Students Union of Liberia, Delivered by President Mark Jarwulou
Distinguished members of the press, distinguished executive members of the 3rd leadership of the Paynesville Students Union of Liberia—PAYNESU, esteemed veterans of PAYNESU, Honorable Mayor of Paynesville City, Mr. Roberts S. Bestman, lawmakers of the five electoral districts of Paynesville City, the President of the Liberia National Students Union, Mr. James Tactician Gblee Washington, the President of the Federation of Liberia Youth, Mr. Ernest Duku Jallah, the President of the Johnsonville Students Union;Struggling students of Paynesville, our resilient market women who sell daily to conquer starvation, kehkeh riders, hardworking motorcyclists, our professional teachers who are yet to be paid, our abandoned and neglected disadvantaged youths, the masses of the Liberian people, distinguished ladies and gentlemen:
The Paynesville Students Union of Liberia was founded in 2020 as a platform through which the plights of the youth, students, and people of Paynesville City can be voiced to their leaders. We are fully aware of the unequal nature of life where, throughout human history, a small portion of the population has consistently controlled the wealth meant for all, leaving the majority in hardship. The consequences of this imbalance are evident: starvation, poor health conditions, homelessness, corruption, marginalization, increased mortality, and lack of access to education.
These harsh realities are what our people are confronted with on a daily basis, while a few continue to live in comfort. It would therefore be a grave mistake if conscious and progressive students like us do nothing to mitigate this crisis. With Education, Advocacy, Drug Awareness, and Gender Equality as the pillars, upon which PAYNESU was established, we have remained steadfast in carrying out this revolutionary mission without fear or favor.
Distinguished members of the press, we are often reminded that leadership is service, and that a leader must remain accountable to the people. Since my induction into office on April 17, 2025, I have remained accessible and open to scrutiny regarding the progress of this institution. It is in this spirit that I present today a comprehensive report covering one year of service alongside my Executive Committee.
While PAYNESU continues to face serious challenges, our impact during this period is significant and worth reporting. But before going any further, I ask that we all rise to our feet as we observe a moment of silence for the passing of little Musu Taplay of Nathan E. Gibson Memorial High School, the tragic loss of five children in the Duport Road Action Faith Community fire outbreak, and the incident in Shara Community that nearly claimed an entire family.
May their souls rest in perpetual peace.
Comrades, during my inaugural address, I committed to advocating for the revival of the “WHO OWNS PAYNESVILLE” academic competition, strengthening drug awareness campaigns, organizing tutorials, promoting environmental awareness, securing office space, and building partnerships with the city government and key stakeholders.
One year later, I am pleased to report progress even though PAYNESU continues to be faced with a lot of challenges. I must, however, address a critical issue. The guest speaker at our inauguration, Madam Stephine Dahn Koon, Second Lady of the Republic of Liberia, promised through her Chief of Staff—to provide office space and educational materials for struggling students. Unfortunately, despite multiple follow-ups, this promise has not been fulfilled. Worse still, false allegations have circulated that our leadership received and misused funds from this pledge. I want to be very clear that no such support has been received since I took office on this date 2025.
Similarly, several other promised supports have not materialized.
Given that PAYNESU is not budget-funded, organizing programs has been extremely difficult. Our engagements with lawmakers have often yielded little support for student initiatives. Despite these constraints, we have remained committed and resilient.Through determined lobbying and partnerships, PAYNESU has successfully implemented several impactful initiatives as follow:
THE WASSCE INFORMATION SESSION
Just one month after we took office, on May 8 2025, the Union convened the first ever WASSCE Information Session in the history of Paynesville. PAYNESU partnered with the city government through the office of the youth focal person and WAEC boss, Mr. Dale Gbotoe to educate twelfth graders about those basic things they needed to know when sitting the regional exam. The WEST AFRICAN SENIOR SCHOOL CERTIFICATE EXAMINATION is a public test that requires not just knowledge of the subject matter to pass, but also basic understanding on exam malpractice, strategy of answering questions, and myths that must be removed from the minds of the students.
As such, Mr. Dale Gbotoe held lecture session with 200 students from various schools across the city. This event was held at the Paynesville City Hall on a rent-free basis as part of Mayor Roberts S. Bestman contributions towards this historic initiative. The City Government provided an initial $779.00 USD for the purchase of various items to be distributed on students, and $100,000 LRD on the day of the program to facilitate students’ transportation and feeding. All these monies were received through the office of the Youth Focal Person, Lawrence Dayougar, in the office of the City Mayor.
Those items purchased include:
Pen cartoons
Eraser cartoons
Sharpener cartoons
Pencil cartoons
The following are the schools that benefited:
Paynesville Community High School
Charles Young AGM High School
Normal E. Williams
Kadoma High School
Patmelia Academy School System
F-SHEM All-Girls School
Ebenezer High School
Kingdom Life Academy
St. Paul Lutheran High School
LICOSSES Demonstration School
Mother Comfort V. Kollie AGM High School
THE WORLD INVIRONMENTAL HEALTH DAY
Health awareness is one of the pillars on which PAYNESU was established. In fulfillment of this, the Paynesville Students Union of Liberia joined millions of people around the world to commemorate the World Environmental Health Day on June 5, 2025, under the global theme “BEAT PLASTIC POLLUTION”. In observance of this day, PAYNESU crafted a program of health awareness and environmental education to various communities in Paynesville. We also engaged in cleaning up campaign and one on one talks with residents about the need to keep our city clean and healthy. This initiative was sponsored by the lawmaker of district two Hon. Seakou Kanneh. Through his office, we received $25,000 LRD that was use to purchase the following items: wheelbarrow, dozens of reflective jackets, brooms, pairs of gloves, while the remaining money was spent on food and transportation. We concluded the day at the CUPDIC Intellectual Center where we gave detailed information about the extent to which our city is dirty and the need for national government to intervene swiftly.
We also extended our thanks to Hon. Kanneh for his support towards the students and people of Paynesville.
WORLD MENSTRUAL HEALTH AND HYGIENE DAY
Women are the backbone of every thriving society. They are nurturers of life, builders of communities, and drivers of progress. Their strength, resilience, and contributions shape families, economies, and nations in ways that are both visible and unseen. Recognizing this, honoring World Menstrual Hygiene Day is not just about awareness it is about dignity, equality, and justice. Menstrual health is a fundamental human right, and no girl or woman should be held back by stigma, lack of access, or silence. When we support menstrual hygiene, we empower women to participate fully in education, work, and leadership. Therefore, on June 28, 2025, the Paynesville Students Union of Liberia in partnership with the City government and Women Can Lead Initiative Liberia organized one of the biggest world menstrual health and hygiene day programs that benefited many school going girls. This program was also held at the famous Paynesville City Hall.
PUBLIC SPEAKING CLASS
Recognizing that public speaking is one of the greatest fears that paralyze people of all ages, PAYNESU has always sort to educate students and create the platform where they can practice their public speaking skills. We are cognizant that every great movement, innovation, or transformation began with someone who dared to speak. On this note, on the 4th of July 2025, PAYNESU partnered with the Liberia Institute of Public Speaking (LIPS) to conduct a daylong public speaking class for senior high and university students within the city of Paynesville. This class was conducted by D. Adam Tokpah, the executive director of LIPS. About fifty students benefited from this initiative each of whom received handouts and other instructional materials.
`As president of the Paynesville Students Union of Liberia I have always made myself available at various programs in representing the students of Paynesville. On August 5, 2025, I attended ECOWAS special session on drug crisis in Liberia. This program was attended by prominent national youth and student leaders as well as heads of various ministries and agencies of government.
6. SAY NO TO DRUG
Since the end of Liberia’s 14-year civil conflict, the country has not only struggled to rebuild its infrastructure but also to confront a silent crisis of drug abuse. Across Liberia, recent reports and public health discussions have shown a troubling rise in substance abuse among young people. A significant portion of drug users fall within the age range of 12 to 35, with many starting as early as their teenage years. In urban centers like Paynesville, the situation is even more alarming. Entire communities like King Gray, Thinker Village, Duport Road, etc. are now characterized by the presence of ghettos, where drug use is openly seen and increasingly normalized.
Young people who should be in classrooms are instead trapped in cycles of addiction. Schools are losing students, families are losing children, and communities are losing hope. The increase in petty crimes, including theft and robbery, is closely linked to this growing drug epidemic.
As the Paynesville Students Union, we see this crisis every day not in reports, but in real lives. We see it in the streets, in our schools, and in our neighborhoods. We see young boys and girls, some as young as twelve, already caught in addiction. This is not just a statistic—it is a national emergency.
It was against this backdrop that PAYNESU took part in the “SAY NO TO DRUG” campaign on August 7, 2025. Alongside over one hundred students, we marched from Parker Paint Junction to Capitol Hill to draw national attention to this crisis. At the Capitol, we presented a petition to the 55th National Legislature, calling for urgent and concrete action on five key demands:
Ensure that the enforcement of the Amended Drugs Law of 2023 is not selective, delayed, or symbolic—but strong, consistent, and rooted in justice and protection for the vulnerable.
The establishment of the Paynesville Rehabilitation Center.
The Establishment of the Paynesville Community College.
Increase funding for rehabilitation centers, educational outreach, and youth empowerment programs.
To help awaken the conscience of our people—so that every citizen, every family, every community joins in this fight against the epidemic of drug abuse.
Again, transparency is the hallmark of our leadership and so we must tell you exactly the resources we received for this event and how they were used. Our leadership received $50,000 LRD from the lawmaker of district four, Hon. Michael Thomas, which was used on the following items\activities:
Dozens of shirts
Banners
Printings
Preparation of the petition
Vests
Transportation
Feeding
ONE DOLLAR RALLY
PAYNESU, recognizing the struggles of parents to register their kids in school at the beginning of the 2025-2026 academic year, decided to partner with various youth organizations to carry out a dollar rally as a means of helping these parents and students. Our goal was to generate at least $500,000 LRD to sponsor 50 students within Paynesville. This initiative began on October 26, 2025 when the Executive as well as other committee heads and members of the Paynesville Students Union of Liberia met with a representation of five sister institutions to plan the dollar rally.
In that meeting, we agree for the partners to contribute at least $2,000 LRD for the purchase of T-shirts, banners, posters, flyers, printing, preparation of letters, and facilitation of media appearances for publicity. We also agreed that when the money is raised, these partners along with PAYNESU would help to identify those struggling students whose parents could not afford their tuition. There was a special committee set up which had a representation of all the partnering institutions, and was headed by the Director on Ways Means and Finance of PAYNESU—Oscar S. Lannon.
Below is the breakdown of the money generated from that point up to the time the rally ended:
Paynesville Students Union of Liberia…$10,000 LRD
Health horizon Liberia……………..$2000 LRD
Africa Youth Development Association…$2,000 LRD
Geedeh Foundation………………..$2,000 LRD
FOSYCUS Liberia……………………$800 LRD
Mind Masters Liberia…………….…$2,000 LRD
TOTAL=$18,800 LRD
On October 8, 2025, beginning 9:00AM, the Paynesville Students Union of Liberia along with these partners visited various places in Paynesville as part of the One Dollar rally exercise, and at the end of the day collected a little below $70,000 LRD plus $60 USD, and reported to the body. However, that money was far below our $500,000 LRD target. However, omrades, the Paynesville Students Union through its lobbying power has secured several scholarships at various institutions across Paynesville listed as follow:
Kent Institute of professional Studies…………………………………..25 slots
Patmelia Academy School System……………………………..…………4 slots
Jessica Rachael Kolleh Memorial Institute……2 slots
Our students continue to benefit from these scholarships as we work to secure more. PAYNESU has also sponsored fifteen (15) students to sit the University of Liberia entrance examination, and all were successful.
Ghetto Outreach
Distinguished members of the press, PAYNESU wants to state categorically clear that no nation can move forward if its young people are stuck in chains—regardless of whether those chains are made of poverty, ignorance, or drugs. If you take a look across Paynesville, you will realize the extent to which the prevalence of drug abuse and addiction is severe in our society. Young people who should be nurtured to become meaningful members of Liberia have falling to the cold hands of drug abuse on a daily basis.
The Paynesville Students Union of Liberia has consistently called on both the national and city government to establish the Paynesville Rehabilitation Center, but to no avail. Even so, under my leadership as president of the Union, we have carried out several ghetto outreaches in Paynesville affecting communities like King Gray, Cement Hill, Red Light, etc. This exercise has brought to our attention the daily struggles of our youth and even some adults who cannot go a day without taking drugs. Our leadership will continue to engage these drugs victims to concertize them about the need to quit drug usage as we actively advocate for the establishment of the Paynesville Rehabilitation Center.
Office Space
One of our major challenges has been the lack of an office where the union can be easily accessible to the public. In an effort to secure an office space, the leadership has met with honorable Michael Thomas, who is the current lawmaker of district four (4). In our last meeting with Honorable Thomas, he agreed to provide us an office, but the leadership of PAYNESU must identify the place, cost and ownership and report back to his office. We have successfully done that, and will reach out to the lawmaker office in the coming days. We also want to appreciate honorable Michael Thomas for the provision of a Christmas Package to PAYNESU on the 24th of December 2025 that benefited students of Paynesville.
As president of the Paynesville Students Union of Liberia and with support from the 3rd Executive Committee and all standing committees of PAYNESU, I have worked tirelessly to make the union visible to the public, and to establish strategic partnerships with various institutions, stakeholders, and the city government as a means of promoting the interest of the over 50,000 students in the municipality of Paynesville. I currently volunteer at the Liberia National Students Union (LINSU), I am a Central Committee Member of the ever-potent indomitable revolutionary Vanguard Students Unification Party; where I represent the Sinje College.
I am also a volunteer teacher at two high schools within Paynesville. Ladies and gentlemen, I am pleased to announce that just one year into my tenue as president PAYNESU has secured a free airtime at TRUTH FM (96.1) through the kind gesture of its Chief Executive Officer, Hon. Layee K. Bility. We once again extend our thanks and appreciation to Hon. Layee for his continuous support to the students of Paynesville. Also, as you may have observed earlier through this report, the Paynesville City Government, Headed by Honorable Mayor Robert S. Bestman, has been our biggest partner, supporting most of our programs including the famous WASSCE Information Session. We look forward to the continuation of such partnership, but with even greater support towards our students. Crime Watch Liberia has also been our second biggest partner, where they supported most of our ghetto outreach
CHALLENGES OF THE STUDENTS AND PEOPLE OF PAYNESVILLE
Fellow citizens of Paynesville, while we have made significant stride in safeguarding the student space, our city remains heavily challenged due to the lack of basic services and amenities. We believe that it is the role of the central government to make policies and allocate resources while the local government implement these policies and tend to the needs of the people. The Paynesville Students Union of Liberia has summed up these challenges into twelve pressing issues that highlight the need for our leaders to do more. Paynesville City, one of the largest and most vibrant urban centers in Liberia, is home to tens of thousands of students. Yet, despite this demographic strength, the foundational systems required to support education, innovation, and youth development remain critically inadequate.
The lack of a student center is a glaring omission. In modern societies, student centers serve as spaces for collaboration, leadership development, and intellectual exchange. Without such a facility, students are deprived of an environment that fosters community and organized engagement.
Closely related is the absence of a public library. In an era defined by information and knowledge economies, access to learning resources is not optional—it is essential. A public library is a cornerstone of academic growth, research, and self-development. Its absence leaves students at a severe disadvantage, widening the gap between them and their global peers. The largest city in the republic of Liberia, Paynesville City must have a public library.
Paynesville also suffers from the lack of a public laboratory or research center. Innovation thrives where curiosity is supported by infrastructure. Without access to laboratories, students are denied the opportunity to experiment, discover, an contribute meaningfully to scientific and technological advancement.
Another major concern is the absence of a community college. Higher education should be accessible, not a privilege reserved for those who can afford expensive institutions. A community college would provide affordable, practical, and career-oriented education, reducing the burden on students who currently struggle to attend the University of Liberia or private universities.
The lack of a rehabilitation center further reflects a gap in social support systems. In a modern society, addressing issues such as substance abuse, mental health, and social reintegration is critical. The rising number of ghettoes in Paynesville poses the need for the establishment of a rehabilitation center.
Additionally, the absence of a visible scholarship scheme limits opportunities for academically deserving students. Scholarships are powerful tools for social mobility, enabling talent to flourish regardless of financial background. Without them, many capable students are left behind. The city of Paynesville must have a scholarship program where our students can take advantage of through the Paynesville Legislative Caucus and in the offices of the lawmakers in the five electoral districts of Paynesville.
The issue of growing insecurity is another major concern of our people. Marketeers are forced to go home early due to increased harassment from our disadvantage youth.
Equally troubling is the lack of student programs and extracurricular activities. Education extends beyond the classroom. Programs that nurture talents in sports, arts, leadership, and technology are essential in shaping well-rounded individuals prepared for the modern world.
The filthiness of Paynesville City also poses both health and environmental risks. Cleanliness is not merely aesthetic—it is directly linked to public health, dignity, and quality of life. Red-light alone is dirtier than any other part of Liberia. We urge the Paynesville city corporation to reactivate the waste management team.
Furthermore, the poor conditions of public schools reflect systemic neglect. From deteriorating infrastructure to outdated teaching methods and under-supported educators, the learning environment is compromised. In today’s knowledge-driven world, such conditions are unacceptable and counterproductive. Our students in various public schools are still sitting on bricks just to acquire secondary education.The politicization of education is another critical challenge. Education must remain a neutral and empowering force, not a tool for political manipulation.
Lastly, the neglect of student activities further deepens the disconnect between policy and practice. Ignoring student’s development today weakens the society of tomorrow. Our leaders must show that the students are their major priority by actively supporting student led initiatives.
CHALLENGES OF THE UNION
The Paynesville Students Union stands as a symbol of hope, representation, and collective student advocacy. However, like many institutions striving to serve effectively, it faces significant structural and operational constraints that limit its full potential.
First and foremost is the lack of budgetary allocation. Financial resources are the backbone of any functional organization. Without adequate funding, the Union is forced into a constant struggle—unable to effectively plan, organize, and execute programs that directly benefit the students of Paynesville. In today’s fast-paced and competitive environment, where student engagement requires innovation and consistency, underfunding is not just a limitation—it is a barrier to progress.
Equally concerning is the absence of office space. An institution without a physical presence struggles with accessibility, coordination, and credibility. An office is not merely a structure; it is a hub for administration, engagement, and partnership-building. Without it, the Union operates in fragmentation, limiting its reach and effectiveness.
Another pressing issue is political interference by prominent citizens, politicians, and veterans of PAYNESU, which has led to internal divisions within the Union. Such interference undermines independence and disrupts institutional stability. While the Union has shown resilience in overcoming internal wrangling, the long-term effects of such disruptions threaten leadership continuity and organizational growth. In a contemporary democratic setting, student bodies must be allowed to function autonomously, free from undue external influence. For the Union to effectively represent and advocate for students, it must be empowered with resources, independence, and infrastructure. Without these, its mission remains constrained.
The Paynesville Students Union of Liberia was not created merely to be a pressure group. We believe that the city government which include the City Mayor, the Paynesville Legislative Caucus and other administrative heads should work all student groups to ensure that their needs and aspirations are met. With the Paynesville Students Union of Liberia being the mother institution for all student and youth organizations within Paynesville, neglecting our advocacy would be a grave mistake. We believe that all diplomatic channels must be absorbed before going radical. Therefore, our continuous engagement with the lawmakers in the five electoral districts of Paynesville should not be seen as us being weak.
We have the ability to mobilize the students around their common need, which would ensure civil disobedience by us. The Paynesville Students union of Liberia will continue to engage leaders of Paynesville in our effort to help our struggling students. Lastly but most importantly, I president Mark Jarwulou, I am fully prepared to complete my tenure void of internal or external distractions, political uprising, or intimidation. I shall spare head the activities of PAYNESU until the time assigned to me by the constitution of the Union.
LONG LIVE PAYNESU
DONE ON THIS 17TH DAY OF APRIL, AD 2026
