Zwedru Multilateral High School and “Yah” (“Vision”)
One of Dr. Gbaba profound memories from working as Principal of Zwedru Multilateral High School (ZMHS) in Grand Gedeh County was the formation of the ZMHS Cultural Troupe and the production of “Yah” (“Vision”). My vision in 1988 was to raise funds and to elevate the institution from a technical/vocational high school to a technical and vocational college.
In addition, his aim was to provide a wholistic and culturally relevant education for children in the hinterland of Liberia so that they may appreciate their cultural heritage and be on par with their colleagues around the country. Another reason was to showcase the talents of Liberian youth from the hinterland and promote the Grand Gedeh educational system nationally and internationally.
The ZMHS Cultural Troupe included prominent traditional Krahn artists and musicians the likes of Bai-Beh, Gayeah-Ninneh Gaye, Gayeebah-Paboo, and two prominent Krahn dance masks–“Zahjay Gleh” from Tchien Zonnie and “Voorpen” from Gorhbo-Francee. Altogether, the ZMHS Cultural Troupe consisted of one hundred performers of students and traditional artists combined.
About the Play
The word “Yah” in the Krahn language means, “vision”. It was a play he wrote, directed and produced to share a vision he had in which the status quo collapsed because they did not abide by the precepts of our ancestors.
The ZMHS Cultural Troupe travelled to Monrovia and stationed at the Chief Compound on Macdonald Street and Camp Johnson Road for two weeks. The play was performed at the Relda Theatre in Monrovia for two nights before a packed audience in 1988. Every evening, Liberians, especially members of the Krahn ethnic group of Liberia, gathered at the Chief Compound to be entertained by the traditional musicians and the dance masks.
Prominent Grand Gedeheans who supported this effort included T. Shad Garlo, General Alfred Manyeah, and Governor of the National Bank of Liberia, Thomas Voor Hanson, and Representative William Glay. President Samuel Kanyon Doe and many prominent Grand Gedeheans in government did not attend any of the performances.
Rabbi Prince Joseph Tomoonh-Garlodeyh Gbaba, Sr., Ed. D.
August 10, 2026