The National Commission on Disabilities (NCD) in Liberia recently bid farewell to Mr. B. William Yarsiah, a prominent disability rights advocate, as he departed for the United Kingdom to pursue a Master's degree in Inclusive Education. Mr. Yarsiah, who is also the Executive Director of the African Youth with Disabilities Network in Liberia, was awarded the prestigious UK Chevening Scholarship. He expressed his gratitude to the NCD Management and staff for their moral, financial, and institutional support throughout his scholarship application and preparation process.
Prior to his departure on September 21, 2026, Mr. Yarsiah paid a courtesy visit to the NCD to thank the Management and staff for their support. He noted that the process, which began in 2025, had finally come to fruition, and he was grateful to everyone who contributed to making his educational journey possible. Mr. Yarsiah specifically acknowledged the support of NCD and its leadership, Apostle Dr. J. Aaron Wright Sr., for playing an important role in assisting him with several aspects of his scholarship journey.
The NCD boss, Apostle Dr. J. Aaron Wright Sr., expressed appreciation for Mr. Yarsiah's journey and encouraged him to remain focused on his studies and his responsibility to the disability community. Apostle Wright used the occasion to encourage all persons with disabilities across Liberia to be inspired by Mr. Yarsiah's achievement and to pursue opportunities for higher education, professional development, and personal growth. The Commission recognizes education as a powerful pathway to empowerment, leadership, self-reliance, and meaningful participation in national development.
Mr. Yarsiah's achievement demonstrates that persons with disabilities can pursue and attain opportunities that contribute to both individual advancement and the development of the nation. As he prepares to represent Liberia in the United Kingdom, Mr. Yarsiah said he remains mindful of the responsibility associated with his opportunity. He referenced a charge from the British Ambassador, urging him to remember that, as a Liberian and a person with a disability, he would be representing Liberia and the broader disability community.
The Acting Executive Director of the NCD, Apostle Dr. J. Aaron Wright Sr., also acknowledged a personal appeal made by Mr. Yarsiah concerning the welfare of his family during his period of study abroad. Apostle Wright encouraged the Commission's leadership, staff, and members of the disability community to continue identifying with and supporting Mr. Yarsiah's wife and children while he is away. The NCD boss emphasized that Mr. Yarsiah's family remains part of their concern while he pursues this important opportunity.
NCD Human Resource Manager, Madam Hannah, commended Mr. Yarsiah for his determination, commitment, and efforts in pursuing the scholarship opportunity. She stressed that he is a proof of the slogan "disability is not inability." Madam Hannah expressed confidence that his academic pursuit would contribute to his personal development and the broader advancement of persons with disabilities in Liberia.
On behalf of the Management and Staff, Madam Hannah wished Mr. Yarsiah success in his studies and safe travels, while expressing hope that he would return to Liberia with valuable knowledge and experiences to contribute to national development. The NCD recognizes education and professional development as important pathways for empowering persons with disabilities and strengthening their participation and leadership in national development.
Key points
- Mr. B. William Yarsiah departs Liberia for UK Chevening Scholarship to pursue Master's degree in Inclusive Education.
- NCD provides support to Mr. Yarsiah throughout his scholarship application and preparation process.
- Mr. Yarsiah's achievement demonstrates that persons with disabilities can pursue and attain opportunities for individual advancement and national development.
