Nimba’s Secret Society leaders given 20 days to shutdown bush-schools

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Flashback: Poro society Graduation in Grand Cape Mounty

By Daniel Garteh|LPR News, Sanniquellie

The County Inspector of Nimba County Mark B. Gblinwon has given a 20 day ultimatum to zoe (traditional secret society) women across the county to close all Sande schools as the county observe the outbreak of the deadly Coronavirus Disease.

 The decision follows  a daylong meeting with Zoe women, clan chief, paramount chief, herbalist, commissioners and heads of the Chief and elder council of Nimba County.

Speaking to the cross section of traditional leaders during the day long meeting, Inspector Gblinwon asserted that they are not against the practices of the Sande School but the timing was wrong due to the current health protocol in place.

Gblinwon asserted that traditional practices like the Sande school cannot be over-emphasized because it was a place where many women during the ancient days were taught how to carter to their homes and become  better house wives.

He reminded the traditional people  that the government of Liberia has since  halted large gathering of people across the country to help curb the spread of the deadly Coronavirus. 

Mr. Gblinwon disclosed that the decision to halt bush school was made by the government of Liberia in consultation with top government officials along with the Ministry of Internal Affairs. 

Meanwhile the Nimba County Inspector has mandated traditional zoe and elders in the county to put an immediate halt to all practices and give them 20 days to graduate those who were already taken in the bushes. 

An investigation conducted by LPR recently reavaled that  traditional leaders in some parts of  Nimba have begun initiating young girls and women into  the Sande school in the midst of the COVID-19 outbreak. 

health health ministry is recommending Social-distancing to aviod the spread of COVID-19

Some traditional women told LPR that the  initiation process since January 10 of this year while some also explained that they were just commencing the initiation process  and were calling on the county Inspector give them up to June and July 2020 to enable graduate their students. 

The government of Liberia on March 16, 2020 declared the outbreak of Coronavirus in Liberia and put in place several measures including social-distancing and avoiding of crowd gathering amongst others.

Liberia currently has over 130 confirmed cases of the coronavirus with over 15 deaths and 43 recoveries.

 

 

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