Nobel Laureate Leymah Gbowee, a beacon of peace and women’s rights advocacy, delivered a powerful commencement address to the graduating class of the National Vocational Training Institute (NVTI) in Monrovia, Liberia. Speaking at the Greater Refuge Cathedral in Congo Town, Gbowee, also the CEO of the Gbowee Foundation, challenged the 285 graduates to embody integrity and professionalism as they embarked on their chosen career paths. Using the poignant metaphor of “A Light in a Very Dark Country,” she emphasized the critical role these newly skilled individuals play in shaping a brighter future for Liberia, a nation grappling with the legacy of conflict and systemic challenges. She extolled them to be agents of change, beacons of hope, illuminating the path towards a more equitable and prosperous future for their nation.
Gbowee’s message centered on the transformative power of honesty and ethical conduct, particularly within institutions often marred by corruption. She argued that true progress necessitates a fundamental shift in values, urging graduates to resist the pervasive culture of dishonesty that has hampered Liberia’s development. By choosing integrity, she asserted, they could become catalysts for positive change, inspiring others to follow suit and gradually reshape the ethical landscape of their communities and the nation as a whole. This commitment to honesty, she emphasized, would be their most powerful contribution to rebuilding and strengthening their country.
To illustrate the profound impact of integrity, Gbowee shared a personal anecdote, recounting how a simple act of returning mistakenly given money challenged preconceived notions and earned her respect. This act, she explained, defied the stereotype of dishonesty often associated with Liberians, demonstrating the power of individual actions to challenge negative perceptions and promote trust. She encouraged the graduates to embrace honesty, even when it felt isolating, assuring them that their unwavering integrity would ultimately distinguish them as leaders and role models.
The Nobel Laureate, who shared the 2011 Peace Prize with former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and Yemeni journalist Tawakkul Karman for their non-violent peace activism and advocacy for women’s rights, underscored the significance of the graduates’ chosen fields. She specifically mentioned electrical engineering, hospitality, data analysis, pastry and catering, software and computer technology, highlighting how each skill set could contribute to national development. She urged them to let their expertise shine, illuminating the path towards progress and prosperity for themselves and their communities.
NVTI Executive Director, Marline Cooper, echoed Gbowee’s sentiments, commending the graduates for their accomplishments and urging them to utilize their newly acquired skills to make a tangible impact on Liberian society. She emphasized the importance of translating their training into concrete action, contributing to the rebuilding and strengthening of their communities and the nation as a whole. She reminded them of their responsibility to use their skills and knowledge for the betterment of Liberia, contributing to its economic growth and social development.
Adding to the chorus of encouragement, Abdullai Kamara, Founder of Netlib and Chairperson of the Liberia Telecommunication Authority, expressed his pride in the graduating class, noting the significant milestone of NVTI having produced nearly 20,000 graduates. He emphasized that the concept of being a “light” extended beyond the political realm, encompassing all spheres of professional and personal life. Mr. Kamara proudly announced NVTI’s recent recognition as the Best Vocational Institution in Africa at the Business Executive Excellence Awards in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, highlighting the institution’s growing reputation for quality education and its contribution to the development of skilled workforce across the continent. This accolade, he noted, underscored the importance of vocational training in driving economic growth and empowering individuals to contribute meaningfully to their societies.
