Saya Doe Sio returned to her hometown of Buchanan, Grand Bassa County, Liberia, on October 5, 2026, to unveil a memorial bust of her late mother, Annie T. Doe, at the Annie T. Doe Memorial Academy. The ceremony was attended by family members, friends, and students, who welcomed the occasion with a warm welcome and a presentation of roses as a symbol of peace and love. Sio expressed her gratitude to the students and guests, stating that she always comes to Buchanan with "good tidings and great joy."
The memorial academy, founded by Sio and her husband Francis Sio, aims to provide quality education to children in the community. Annie T. Doe, a missionary and businesswoman, instilled in her nine children the importance of faith and education. Despite being denied formal education herself, she worked hard to provide for her family and believed in the power of education to create opportunities. Her legacy continues to inspire the foundation's work in education, women's empowerment, and healthcare.
Saya Sio recalled her mother's humble beginnings and the prediction she made years ago that Sio would return to the community and rewrite the story for her friends. Sio's recollection of her mother's death in a road crash on September 20, 1989, was an emotional moment of the ceremony. However, she said that her mother's pain became her purpose, driving her to create the Annie T. Doe Memorial Foundation to give hope to children in the community.
The unveiling of the bust was a moment of celebration for the family and the community. The inscription on the bust reads: "The late Annie T. Doe, mother and grandmother to many. A businesswoman, a woman of faith, passion, and dignity. Today we honor her legacy." Sio was joined by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who cut a ribbon to mark the occasion.
Francis Sio, co-founder of the foundation, reflected on the 15-year journey of the academy, which has grown from 75 students to hundreds of students in Buchanan. He attributed the success to God's grace and expressed pride in seeing students grow from kindergarten to young adults. The foundation has expanded its mission beyond education to women's empowerment and basic healthcare, making a tangible impact in the community.
The ceremony also recognized members of the foundation's board and supporters who have contributed to its success. Sio described some of these supporters as "destiny helpers" who have invested in the foundation's vision despite not always being physically present in Liberia. Their contributions have helped sustain the academy and its community outreach programs.
The Annie T. Doe Memorial Academy has become a symbol of hope for children in Buchanan, providing them with access to quality Christian-based education and opportunities for a better future. The memorial bust of Annie T. Doe serves as a reminder of her legacy and the foundation's commitment to carrying out her vision.
Key points
- Saya Doe Sio unveils memorial bust of her mother, Annie T. Doe, at the Annie T. Doe Memorial Academy in Buchanan, Liberia.
- The Annie T. Doe Memorial Academy provides quality education to children in the community, inspired by Annie T. Doe's legacy of faith and education.
- The foundation has expanded its mission beyond education to women's empowerment and basic healthcare, making a tangible impact in the community.
