The founding of CAN LEADERSHIP ACADEMY NIMBA is a living testimony of faith,
The establishment of CAN Leadership Academy – Nimba is far more than a physical construction project; it is a testimony of God’s divine orchestration. It showcases how God uses ordinary people—pastors, businessmen, widows, missionaries, and even children—to do extraordinary things when surrendered to His will. This school stands as a living reminder that Christ-centered education can truly break the cycle of poverty.
In 2010, Eric Wowoh and his team built their first school, CAN Leadership Academy – Montserrado (formerly Heart of Grace School). About a year and a half later, Eric received a call from Pastor David Booker of Acts Church in Waco, Texas, who had learned about Eric through a church member, Ryan, an oil rig worker in the Gulf of Mexico.
Pastor Booker and his wife Kim had visited the Change Agent Network (CAN) website and were deeply moved. They wanted to go to Liberia to see the work themselves. Eric had just returned from Liberia and advised them not to travel alone, but Pastor Booker was determined. Despite his nonprofit board's financial constraints, Eric borrowed money to return to Liberia to host them. He had never met them before and even used the church website to recognize them at the airport.
They spent a week in Liberia with Eric and his dynamic team. Their trip and firsthand experience in Liberia sparked something profound
Two weeks after returning to the U.S., Pastor Booker invited Eric to Waco, Texas, to share his story and mission with the Acts Church congregation. Despite limited funds, Eric drove to Texas. The church, known for ministering to the hungry and homeless, raised over $20,000 in a love offering—a miraculous show of generosity.
This single act of love and faith proved pivotal. With only $100 left in CAN’s bank account and needing $20,000 for payroll, this gift demonstrated God's faithfulness through radical giving. It was a moment that confirmed to Eric that God was in control.
Mark, a Texan living in Rockwall, traveled to Liberia with his daughter Axie and the Lastwell team to dig wells and share the gospel. In Nimba County, during the dedication of a new well, children turned out in large numbers. When asked how many were in school, no hands went up; when asked if they wanted to go, every hand did.
Axie asked her father to build a school. At first, Mark said no. But when she insisted, saying, “Dad, if you can build a well, you can build a school,” Mark couldn’t shake the conviction. He prayed, asking God to send someone to help him build the school. That prayer was answered sooner than expected.
Mark returned to Texas and shared the vision with his employee, Tom, who had no interest in traveling to Liberia. However, during a trip to Waco for his grandmother’s funeral, Tom inadvertently stumbled into Acts Church, where Eric was preaching. Urged by a security guard to attend, Tom sat in the front row and was deeply moved.
After the service, he tried to meet Eric but couldn’t wait. He left his business card with Pastor Booker. Eric called him that same day, and Tom immediately turned around to meet Eric in person. This divine appointment would change everything.
Tom arranged a meeting for Eric with his boss, Mark. Despite never having met before, and with no documents or references, Mark trusted Eric and wrote a check for $40,000. He asked only for one reference, a legal consultant named Marti. He didn’t require evidence or prior project visits. Mark felt led by God to fund the school and instructed Eric to return to Liberia immediately.
Mark provided two initial contacts in Nimba County: Pastor Jackson Quenisear of Bellemu and Pastor James Vah. With their help and the sacrifice of the local community, land was secured, and a six-classroom building was constructed at a total cost of $300,000.
The school was named Alexandria A. Andrews Academy (Triple A), honoring Mark’s wife Teresa and daughter Axie. In the first year, over 1,500 students were enrolled. The school operated three daily sessions, including the evening 842 Computer Training Center led by Mr. Momo B. Ware.
To date, the school has educated thousands of children, created jobs, and contributed to local development.
In 2022, the school was renamed CAN Leadership Academy – NIMBA (CAN-NIMBA) as part of a national rebranding of the CAN School System. This change aimed to unify the network under one legal name and system, resolving issues related to tax IDs, registrations, and bank accounts. While the former names remain valid in records, all schools now operate under the unified CAN brand.
Tom later encouraged Eric to relocate CAN's U.S. office to Dallas for greater outreach and resources. Today, CAN has built 28 schools across Liberia, with five campuses directly under its ownership. These include CAN Leadership Academies in Montserrado, Margibi, Bong, Nimba, and Lofa Counties.
"Through His grace, God bestowed upon me the wisdom, favor, and leadership ability to lead this organization for 23 years. I am excited about the future because I know who holds it."
2012–2013 – Mr. Emmanuel S. Bangalee, BSc (Principal)
2015–2016 – Mr. Gibson F. Karkulah, BSc (Principal)
2016–2017 – Mr. Gibson F. Karkulah, BSc (Principal) (Same Faculty as 2015–2016)
2017–2018 – Mr. J. Humphrey Kolliemen, BSc (Acting Principal)
2018–2019 – Mr. Abel N. Dennies, MSc (Principal)
2019–2021 – Mr. Abel N. Dennies, MSc (Principal)
2021–2023 – Mr. J. Humphrey Kolliemen, BSc (Principal)
2023–2025 – Ms. Vanicen J. Kollie, BSc (Principal)
