Ricks Institute
HISTORICAL PROFILEThe spiritual roots of Ricks Institute go back to 1887, seven years after the formation of the Liberian Baptist Missionary and Educational Convention, a member of the Baptist World Alliance. Ricks Institute is a direct descendant of the Christian missionary spirit and commitment of the Liberian Baptist Missionary and Educational Convention, Inc. Ricks Institute draws on the rich traditions of the past, living in the strengths and challenges of the present and preparing for the needs of the future. Ricks Institute is a community of faith and learning that is committed to developing students through the integration of spiritual, intellectual, technological, physical, emotional, cultural and social dimensions of learning.
Ricks Institute, formally named "Zodokai Mission," began through the generous contribution of Mr. Moses Ricks, a Baptist farmer from Clay Ashland, Liberia. Mr. Ricks donated the highest gift of five hundred United States Dollars. Mr. Ricks' generous contribution was used to purchase the land (app. 1000 acres) where the institution currently stands. Ricks Institute's campus is located in the beautiful and scenic area of Virginia, about twelve miles east of Monrovia, Liberia's capital. The Ricks campus has limitless space for expansion. Designed as a coeducational residential campus, the school's boarding facilities have the capacity of hosting about 650 students as well as housing for the staff and faculties. The school also opens its doors to students living in its surrounding communities through the day school program. In 1974, the institution expanded to a Business School. In 1978, an Associate of Arts degree in Business was offered. However, a few years later the Business School was closed due to financial hardship.
The campus facilities were severely looted as a result of the brutal, Liberian civil war, which started on the eve of Christmas 1989. Some areas of the campus were destroyed while portions of the campus served as a refugee camp for internal, displaced people. Ever since the civil war, one of the bloodiest carnage of internal conflict in recent African history, the Institution has been setback severely.
Ricks Institute believes that quality education is a vital solution to restoring lasting peace, sanity and respect for human dignity in Liberia. In the midst of tremendous societal challenges for over fourteen years as a result of the Liberian civil war, many young people in Liberia have been deprived of the opportunity for valuable education. Ricks Institute, a Christian, residential school from kindergarten to Grade 12, seeks to spearhead the campaign toward relevant pedagogy for young Liberian lives. Ricks Institute, existing for over 116 years, seeks to remain committed to providing for its students a balanced and integrated education of the head, heart and hand, thereby offering a firm moral foundation for life and the inspiration to serve others.
Ricks Institute invites you to be their partner in quality education as they jointly seek to mold young lives for future servitude in a country that has been wounded by violence, poverty, corruption and injustice. Please join Ricks through your financial investment and gifts as they provide relevant educational opportunities in Liberia.
For more information, kindly contact:
| Reverend Mr. Olu Q. Menjay Principal/Chief Administrative Officer Virginia Liberia, West Africa Phone in Liberia: +(231) 6-561809 Phone in the US: +(910) 257-7164 Email: Ricks Institute Reverend Mr. Olu Q. Menjay |
Reverend Mr. Emmett L. Dunn Special Liaison Officer , Ricks Institute Phone number: +(301) 793-1747 Email: Reverend Mr. Emmett L. Dunn |