-One Thousand complete Literacy and Skills Training
By Edwin M. Fayia, III,fayiaedwin@gmail.com
A veteran Liberian Educator, Sister Mary Laurene Browne, OSF, President of the Stella Maris Polytechnic University has urged more than 1,000 job skills and adult literacy graduates of the Alfalit Liberia education program to remember that it is never and never too late to learn and be useful citizens.
“If you think you are too old learn how to read, write and acquire the relevant skills, I personally say go and press ahead, the future is bright, great and good for you all in our Alfalit Liberia education program in our country,” Sister Laurene admonished the graduates.
Sister Laurene made statement on December 10, 2019 at an elaborate convocation of a lead adult literacy and job skills education initiative under the auspices of Alfalit International Liberia. It was held at the Paynesville Town Hall outside Monrovia.
The Liberian educator and an eloquent English speaker pointed out that what the adult literacy learners and job skills demonstrated at the occasion was a genuine manifestation of their determination to work and earn an honest living in Liberia.
The veteran Liberian Educator told the gathering that it was indeed great and good to see that the Alfalit Liberia education program is dominated by women from all walks of life in the country.
The Stella Maris Polytechnic University President underscored the need for a sustained support to the Alfalit Liberia education initiative by the Liberian Government, partners and Liberians in general.
She however, pledged her own commitment and assistance in any that would ensure the continuity of the Alfalit International Liberia throughout the country.
The Stella Marie Polytechnic University boss also extended her gratitude and appreciation to the managers, administrators, facilitators and teachers for their endurance, tolerance and commitment in moulding the minds of adults and job skills practitioners.
“I must admit I really appreciated all your steadfastness, resilience and courage to take up the challenge to learn and acquired skills in spite of all your domestic work especially the market women and attended all classes up to the graduation today,” Sister Mary Laurend Browne asserted.
In an official statement, Acting Executive Director of Alfalit International Liberia, Reverend Jerome C. Williams reminded the graduates and education stakeholders that there is no firm commitment from the donors for academic years 2020, due to some managerial and administrative reasons.
Director Williams also cautioned all facilitators of the Alfalit International education program in Liberia to remain forthright in safely keeping all assets of the entity especially the generators and booklets deposited at the various adult literacy and job skills training programs in and out of Monrovia.
Rev. Williams also assured adult literacy and job skills learners in the country that all efforts will be exerted to ensure that the Alfalit Liberia education programs continue in the country.
He further extended Alfalit Liberia heartfelt thanks and appreciation to all facilitators and teachers of the adult literacy and job skills mentors for support and cooperation in ensuring a successful implementation of all the relevant aspects of the adult literacy and job skills programs in the country.
In remarks, Montserrado County Chief Education Officer Samuel Bondo urged the adult literacy and job skills graduates to continue their education and skill training journeys in every aspect of their lives in the country.
“I personally want to encourage you all and incoming students to always strive for the best and you will not be disappointed as the your journeys you have started are indeed great and realistic endeavors that will in turn brings sustainable benefits in your lives,” CEO Bondo stressed.
For his part, Alfalit International Liberia Program Manager George S. Stewart admonished the graduates to always aspire for greatness in pursuit of marketable skills that will improve conditions in the country.
He also disclosed that a total of 1, 520 students for the Montserrado County adult literacy and job skills training program. And out that number, 26 students mainly women graduated from the tailoring sector, with 1,494 graduating from the adult literacy sector of Alfalit International Liberia.
Besides, Program Manager Stewart intimated that another 26 students graduated from the job skills department of Alfalit International during the period under review and the course of the training.
Alfalit International Liberia senior board member and initial incorporator, Dr. Benjamin D. Lartey urged the graduates to always strive excellence and not be contended with current achievements.