PHOTO: NCF Liberia Board & Visiting US Delegation
A delegation of four distinguished female educators and mentors from the International Cultural Exchange Program has arrived in Liberia as part of a transformative initiative to connect Liberian youth with students in Allentown, Pennsylvania, USA.
Hosted by the Nyonblee Cares Foundation (NCF), the delegation is representing the MZ Foundation in partnership with InnaStar, the Johnson Foundation, and the Fine Feather Foundation.
The delegation, which arrived on March 27, 2025, is engaging with the Liberia Ministry of Education, 50 classroom teachers, and at least 100 students in Monrovia and Buchanan.
According to NCF Director George Stewart, the program aims to provide Liberian youth with life-changing educational experiences, emphasizing self-esteem, leadership, and emotional healing through the arts.
The initiative is designed for students aged 13 to 18 and features workshops led by experts in arts-based empowerment and trauma-informed education. Key program highlights include:
- Glow Confidence Program: Led by award-winning actress and empowerment coach Jacinth Headlam of InnaStar, this initiative focuses on building self-esteem and confidence in students.
- Restorative Practices Through the Arts: Andrene Brown, founder of the Fine Feather Foundation, introduces creative storytelling and podcasting as tools for self-expression and emotional healing.
- Trauma-Informed Empowerment Workshops: Dr. Cereta Johnson, CEO of the Kings and Queens of Destiny Program and founder of the Johnson Foundation, leads trauma-focused workshops aimed at emotional resilience. Dr. Johnson, who operates a school in Liberia, is also in the process of opening a second location.
As the visit ends on April 4, a memorandum of understanding (MOU) will be established between the U.S. delegation and Nyonblee Cares Foundation Liberia. This agreement will solidify a long-term partnership aimed at bridging cultures, fostering leadership skills, and strengthening connections between Liberian and American students.
By integrating arts-based learning and restorative practices, the initiative seeks to empower young people in Liberia, helping them embrace their voices, heal from past experiences, and confidently shape their futures, Head of Delegation Michelle Zattoni revealed.