Operation Classroom has its roots in Indiana. The program took shape in 1987, led by John Shettle and Bob Bowman, newly-elected lay leaders, as a plan to upgrade secondary education in United Methodist schools in partnership with the Liberia and Sierra Leone Annual Conference and the General Board of Global Ministries. Ten schools were selected for upgrading by the Liberia and Sierra Leone annual conferences. The program had as its mission:

1. To upgrade UMC secondary education in Liberia and Sierra Leone
2. To be an avenue of renewal for the United Methodist Church
3. To provide hands-on mission experiences for United Methodists

In 1989 a civil war erupted in Liberia, causing people to flee and schools to close. OC responded to the new challenges by opening refugee schools in Ivory Coast and in Guinea. In 1991 the war spilled over into Sierra Leone. OC continued to work in those schools that remained open and eventually opened a refugee school in Guinea. Surprisingly, despite the wars, OC was able to assist in the construction of four schools in Liberia and one in Sierra Leone

Thousands of persons were displaced or became refugees. Operation Classroom responded to the requests of the bishops of both Liberia and Sierra Leone to provide clothing and basic supplies to assist those who were in desperate circumstances. The bishops also asked if we could assist in meeting the mounting medical crises brought on by the wars. OC responded by beginning a partnership with Ganta Hospital in Liberia and Kissy Clinic in Sierra Leone, putting this new medical component of the program under the title of Operation Doctor.

In 1994 Operation Classroom was asked to help train West Africans to counsel those suffering from war trauma. Thus, WATTS (West Africa Trauma Training Seminars) was born. Since that time more than 150 Liberians and 75 Sierra Leoneans have received a basic understanding of counseling, and in the process have learned how to deal with their own trauma.

Operation Classroom continued their partnership throughout the years of civil war, by shipping container loads of supplies, providing support for the schools and hospitals, and working with displaced, refugees, and ex-combatants.

Following the war, OC has continued its work with both the schools and hospitals. Since a number of other UM conferences have become partners with Ganta Hospital in Liberia, OC has put more focus on Sierra Leone’s Kissy Clinic (now “Kissy UMC General Hospital”). Through Operation Doctor a comprehensive continuing education program has been developed.

Vocational education has always been a priority for Operation Classroom. They are presently partnering with both West African annual conferences in developing a viable vocational program in the schools.

Currently Operation Classroom is in partnership with more than 20 schools (both elementary and secondary), 2 hospitals and several clinics, and has continued to train persons in a basic understanding of counseling.

Other conferences, including Minnesota, Holston, and Rocky Mountain, have joined Operation Classroom in partnership. In addition, churches and individuals from 42 states have participated—in various ways—in its program. Operation Classroom continues to partner with UMCOR and the Women’s Division in meeting their common mission goals. All projects are General Advance Specials.

Operation Classroom is a non-profit organization partnering with selected schools and health care facilties in Sierra Leone and Liberia.

Operation Classroom is a 501 ( c ) (3). All gifts are tax deductible.