CAN Leadership Academy – Montserrado

Table of Contents 

1. The Backstory
2. Bringing the Vision Home
3. The Birth of CAN Leadership Academy – Montserrado
4. School Leadership Timeline
5. First School Board (2021–2025)
6. Rebranding and Legal Consolidation
7. School Graduations 

1. The Backstory

The formation of CAN Leadership Academy – Montserrado, formerly Heart of Grace High School, located at the New Breed Center, Rehab City View Community, Lower Johnsonville, Montserrado County, Liberia, was birthed in August 2008 by Mr. Eric Willise Wowoh, Founder and CEO of Change Agent Network (CAN) / Opportunity Network Liberia (ONL). A native of Fissebu Town, Zorzor District, Lofa County, Mr. Wowoh’s vision for the school stemmed from his own experiences as a child affected by the Liberian Civil War.

At just 14 years old when the war broke out, Mr. Wowoh was captured, tied, beaten, and nearly killed by rebel forces loyal to Charles G. Taylor. By God’s grace, he was rescued and taken to Ivory Coast, beginning his journey as an unaccompanied refugee child through Ivory Coast, Togo, Benin, Ghana, and ultimately Nigeria, where he settled in the Oru Refugee Camp in Ogun State.

While in the camp, Mr. Wowoh and other Liberian refugees established the 842 Computer Training Center, thanks to the generosity of Mr. Desmond Ogviagele, a Nigerian national from the State of Benin who lived and worked in Lagos. The center provided free IT training to refugees from Liberia, Sudan, Angola, Congo, Sierra Leone, and other war-affected nations. From 2003– 2005, more than 700 refugees received skills in computer operations, maintenance, networking, and repairs.

2. Bringing the Vision Home

Determined to assist in Liberia’s post-war recovery, particularly the reintegration of war-affected youth and ex-combatants, Mr. Wowoh resolved to replicate the 842 Computer Training Center in Liberia. Mr. Desmond Ogviagele supported this dream, purchasing a plane ticket and donating $10,000 USD for one acre of land to construct the first training center.

After the land purchase and initial construction, Mr. Wowoh hired two security personnel—Mr. Gwee Manuel Garbee and Mr. George Bono—to oversee the property. In January 2006, after Liberia’s general and presidential elections brought President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf to power, several Liberians including Mr. Anderson Cherub, Mr. Isiaka Jumel Turay, Mr. Ruben Koon, Mr. George A. Thomas, Mr. Momo V. Ware, and Ms. Ramatu Freeman joined the initiative to start the 842 Computer Training Center in Liberia.

3. The Birth of CAN Leadership Academy – Montserrado

Mr. George A. Thomas and Mr. Momo V. Ware were the first team members to relocate to the site in Rehab Community in March 2006. Despite challenges, the center opened and attracted learners from Red Light, Upper and Lower Johnsonville, Pipeline, and other areas. It became the first free post-conflict computer training school in Liberia, enrolling over 500 students in three daily sessions. Mr. Thomas and Mr. Ware served as the only instructors.

Meanwhile, Mr. Gwee Manuel Garbee, a 1974 graduate of the Zorzor Rural Teachers Training Institute (ZRTTI) and retired teacher, began holding study classes at the back of the building for local children who lacked access to any school. He was later joined by Madam Martu Deemi. Children sat on concrete blocks or homemade benches, with some bringing their own chairs from home.

In 2008, during Mr. Wowoh’s visit to Liberia with US-Liberian citizen Mr. Michael Johnson (from Grand Cape Mount County), they discovered the improvised classrooms. Shocked by the poor learning environment, Mr. Wowoh was initially reluctant to shift his focus from computer training to primary education. However, Mr. Garbee rightly pointed out that literacy was foundational to computer literacy.

Touched by the children’s situation, Mr. Johnson personally donated $3,000 USD to construct the first school building. By August 2008, a multipurpose hall was completed and converted into classrooms and a gathering space. The elementary school (Nursery to Grade 6) was officially launched.

By God’s grace, Mr. Wowoh led this growing organization for 23 years. As of July 2025, CAN had established over 28 schools across Liberia, including the Change Agent Network University (CAN-U) in Fissebu Town, Zorzor District, Lofa County. Five campuses are directly operated by CAN and form the CAN SCHOOL SYSTEM:

1. CAN Leadership Academy – Montserrado (CAN-MONTS) – formerly Heart of Grace School

2. CAN Leadership Academy – Lofa (CAN-LOFA)

3. CAN Leadership Academy – Bong (CAN-BONG) – formerly Alexandria A. Andrews Academy (Triple-A)

4. CAN Leadership Academy – Nimba (CAN-NIMBA) – formerly Wyatt Leadership Academy

5. CAN Leadership Academy – Margibi (CAN-MARGIBI) – formerly Mississippi Leadership Academy

The titles for all lands and facilities are in the name of CAN. Mr. Michael Johnson remains a founding member and key contributor to this vision.

4. School Leadership Timeline

Founding Principal – Mr. Gwee Manuel Garbe (2008–2010) Mr. Garbe led the school with assistance from:

• Madam Martus Deemi – Teacher/Cashier
• Mr. Robert Geyah – Teacher & Vice Principal for Instruction (VPI)
• Mr. Albert Mentroe – Teacher & Vice Principal for Administration (VPA)
• Ms. Abigail Forkpa – Teacher & Registrar

Due to MoE qualifications for junior high, Mr. Garbe stepped down and became VPA.

Principal – Mr. Albert Mentroe (2010–2013)

Upgraded the school to a full senior high school in 2013. The first WAEC exams were taken by 46 12th graders.

Principal – Mr. Zubah Harris (2013–2016)

Key staff included:

• Mr. Frank Nuahn – Vice Registrar
• Mr. Adonis Gwesiah – VPA
• Mr. Subah Harris – Accountant
• Mrs. Kebeh G. Bryant – Dean of Students

Principal – Ms. Miatta Watta Giddings (2016–2021)

Key staff included:

• Mr. George A. Thomas – Business Manager
• Mr. Blamah H. Beyan – VPI
• Mr. Darius Dargbeh – Program Director
• Ms. Wede Jasy – Accountant
• Ms. Jemima L. Cooper – Cashier
• Ms. Maima B. Kamara – Registrar Resigned and relocated to the USA in 2021.

Principal – Mr. Alexander K. McKay (2021–2023)

Key staff included:

• Mr. Blamah H. Beyan – VPI 4
• Ms. Wede B. Jasy – Business Manager
• Ms. Maima B. Kamara – Registrar
• Mr. Darius Dargbeh – Program Director
• Ms. Jemima L. Cooper – Cashier

Mr. McKay’s tenure coincided with key reforms, including the rebranding of CAN in Liberia as Opportunity Network Liberia. The school’s name officially became CAN Leadership Academy – Montserrado (CAN-MONTS)

Principal – Mr. Blamah H. Beyan (2023–2024)

Appointed after Mr. McKay’s suspension. Team included:

• Ms. Wede B. Jasy – Business Manager
• Mr. Darius Dargbeh – Program Manager
• Ms. Maima B. Kamara – Registrar
• Mr. Reginald Sherman – Dean of Students
• Mr. Isaac Kplaiwru, Sr. – VPA

Suspended in October 2024 for mismanagement, followed by voluntary resignation.

Interim Principal – Pastor Wilson Y. Paye (2024–2025)

Interim team included:

• Mr. George A. Thomas – School Manager
• Mr. Reginald Sherman – Dean of Students
• Mr. T. Ephriam Chilebay – VPI
• Mr. Darius Dargbeh – Program Director
• Mrs. Henra G. Baysah-Quikakpo – Business Manager
• Ms. Rosetta Nimely – Cashier

5. First School Board (2021–2025)

The school’s first board was commissioned in 2021 with the following members:

• Chairperson – Pastor Grace Davis
• Co-Chair – Pastor Charles N. Kortimai
• Member – Pastor Kula V. Kortimai
• Member – Attorney Jallah Corvah
• Secretary – Mr. Alexander McKay

6. Rebranding and Legal Consolidation

In 2022, the school name was changed from Heart of Grace School to CAN Leadership Academy – Montserrado (CAN-MONTS) to unify all schools under the CAN SCHOOL SYSTEM. The change addressed legal, tax, and branding issues. All schools now operate under one legal entity with standardized systems, though previous documents bearing old school names remain valid.

7. School Graduations

The school held its first WAEC exams in 2013 with 46 graduates. Graduation ceremonies have been held annually since then, celebrating the achievement of countless students from underserved communities.