Senate Protemp Nyonblee Karnga Lawrence, on Sunday, June 7, awarded 13 schools in Buchanan City for participating in a Cultural Dance and National Anthem Competition under the auspices of the Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence National Youth Mentorship Program.
The event gathered hundreds of students, educators, parents, traditional leaders, and government officials to celebrate Liberia’s rich cultural heritage and national identity. For one day, the pavilion, often associated with political and public gatherings, became a stage for cultural expression, talent, and civic education.
The core message was: Liberia’s culture, traditions, and national symbols must be preserved and passed down to future generations.
The competition included translating and performing the Liberian National Anthem in the Bassa language, along with traditional dance performances. Students showcased their talents while embracing the customs and values that define Liberia’s diverse cultural landscape.
A total of 13 schools participated, including five junior high schools and eight senior high schools. Their performances were the result of weeks of preparation and support from the Office of the Liberian Cultural Ambassador, which helped ensure high-quality cultural presentations.
For cultural dance, Harvest Christian Academy impressed judges and attendees, winning first place. Buchanan Open Bible Standard School emerged victorious in the National Anthem segment, earning top honors for its rendition.
President Pro Tempore, Grand Bassa County Senator, Karnga-Lawrence sponsored the competition. through her National Youth Mentorship Program. Her commitment to youth and cultural preservation was evident in the US$10,000 in prizes, with each school receiving a cash award. Senator Lawrence announced that her foundation’s partner in Nigeria, the New Dawn for Women & Community Intervention Initiative (NEWOMCII).
She further stressed that Liberia’s culture is an invaluable asset that must be safeguarded. She pointed out that many young Liberians lack sufficient knowledge of their cultural heritage, making initiatives like this competition vital.
“Our culture tells the story of who we are. If we neglect it, we risk losing our identity. We must teach our children about our traditions, values, languages, and national symbols,” she stated.
She shared that the idea for this initiative was inspired by former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, who once noted that many students couldn’t sing the anthem confidently. This observation underscored the importance of reconnecting youth with Liberia’s history and patriotic values.
The event drew praise from government officials, education stakeholders, and representatives of the Liberian Cultural Ambassador’s office, all recognizing it as a meaningful step toward nation-building.
Parents and school administrators expressed support, calling it a crucial platform for cultural revival and youth engagement.
“Many children have become disconnected from their roots. Programs like this help them understand their identity and what it means to be Liberian,” a parent remarked during the closing.
Beyond trophies and prizes, the event highlighted a broader lesson: safeguarding Liberia’s culture requires collective effort from families, schools, communities, and leaders.