6.18.14 | Temple, TX | In partnership with VisionTrust International, Artcobell assisted with the warehousing, shipping, and logistics necessary for desks, white boards, and other classroom essentials to be delivered to the new VisionTrust school.  Due to recent civil war and lack of infrastructure, Liberia lacks sufficient educational facilities and qualified teachers.  The new school, completed in January through private donations, will give over 800 children in this impoverished community the opportunity to get a quality education, nutritious food, preventative healthcare, and spiritual mentorship.  The local teachers are dedicated to caring for the children in their community. Artcobell’s partnership ensured these passionate teachers have classrooms equipped with high-quality furniture and tools, making this school one of the best educational facilities within the region.

More about VisionTrust’s work in Liberia: For many children in Liberia, attending school is not an option.  Often there are no schools where the child lives, or the nearest school is miles away and the long walk can be very dangerous.  Even if there are schools in proximity, many families cannot afford to send their child because they are struggling just to eat one meal a day.  Also, many children are relied upon to work during the day to help their family survive.  Currently, VisionTrust Liberia has six schools (child development centers) across the country that strive to offer a caring, holistic, growing environment.  Hundreds of orphans and impoverished children are being given nutritious meals, care for their health, a quality education, and spiritual mentorship.  Many precious Liberian lives are being transformed and children are being developed into future leaders who can have an exponential impact for good throughout Liberia.

Stats:
• Projects: 6
• Project Model: Schools
• Number of children served: 1695
• Language:  English 20% (official), some 20 ethnic group languages few of which can be written or used in correspondence*
• Religions Christian 85.6%, Muslim 12.2%, Traditional 0.6%, other 0.2%, none 1.4% (2008 Census)*
• Population: 3,989,703 (July 2013 est.)*
• Population Below Poverty Line: 80% (2000 est.)*
• Population Living Below $2/day: 94.9% (2007)**

About Artcobell: 
Artcobell is a leading manufacturer of school furniture.  Located in Temple, Texas, the company has supported educators with quality classroom furniture since 1927, seating five generations of American students over the past century. Artcobell was awarded the stringent GREENGUARD® Indoor Air Quality for Children and Schools certification, in June 2007 for our entire product line.  Artcobell is part of HNI Corporation, which is the second largest office furniture manufacturer in the world, and the nation’s leading manufacturer and marketer of gas and wood-burning fireplaces.