Chief Executive Officer of the Youth Entrepreneurship and Investment Bank Management Company (YEIB-MANCO), Joseph Fatorma Sando, has called on citizens of Lofa County, particularly those from Kolahun District, to prioritize education and invest in the development of young people. This call was made during a graduation celebration honoring eight students sponsored under his educational scholarship initiative who completed professional development programs at GONET Academy.
The eight graduates, who are currently pursuing university education at institutions including the African Methodist Episcopal University (AMEU), United Methodist University (UMU), Cuttington University and the University of Liberia, completed specialized training in communication, public relations, human resources, entrepreneurship, business management, and monitoring and evaluation. This graduation represents another milestone in the Sando Educational Scholarship Program, which supports students from Kolahun District and other parts of Lofa County.
Addressing family members, community leaders, academics and other guests, Sando described education as one of the most enduring investments parents and community leaders can make in the future of their children. He emphasized that if Lofa County, particularly Kolahun District, wants to see real transformation, they must prioritize and invest deliberately in the educational sojourn of their future leaders.
Sando noted that Lofa County, particularly Kolahun District, has produced talented, resilient and enterprising individuals capable of competing nationally and internationally. However, he argued that realizing their potential requires deliberate investment and collective support. According to Sando, educating one child goes beyond improving an individual’s prospects, as it also creates opportunities for the development of families and communities.
The graduates, including Korpo Sevelee, Mohammed A. Kabbah, Prosper E. Flomo, Sarifena M. Soribah, Bendu M. Kamara, Famata J. Kanneh, M. Samuel Jallah and Boakai A. Kamara, completed various professional development disciplines. The ceremony attracted family members, friends, youth leaders, members of the Lofa community in Monrovia and faculty members of GONET Academy.
Among the distinguished guests was Dr. James Francis Davis, Senior International Consultant at the African Development Bank (AfDB), who congratulated the graduates and commended Sando for investing in youth development. Davis said the scholarship initiative reflects the broader vision of youth empowerment and entrepreneurship development, describing it as an example other well-meaning Liberians should emulate.
GONET Academy provides professional and career-oriented training programs designed to equip university students and young professionals with practical skills for employment, entrepreneurship and the broader labor market. The graduation celebration concluded with prayers for the graduates, the presentation of certificates of completion, family photographs and a gathering at Sando’s residence in Old Road, Sinkor.
Key points
- YEIB-MANCO CEO Joseph Fatorma Sando urges Lofa County citizens to prioritize education.
- Eight students sponsored by Sando completed professional development programs at GONET Academy.
- The graduates are pursuing university education at institutions including AMEU, UMU, Cuttington University and the University of Liberia.
