The Youth Initiative Education Actions for Sustainable Development-Liberia (YieAS-Doc) recently celebrated outstanding educators in Paynesville, Montserrado County, Liberia, recognizing their crucial role in shaping the future of the nation. The awards ceremony, the first of its kind for the organization, sought to acknowledge the unwavering commitment and hard work of both teachers and administrators within the district. This inaugural event signals YieAS-Doc’s intent to establish an annual tradition of appreciating educators, emphasizing their vital contributions to society.
Edward Karmah, YieAS-Doc-Liberia’s program manager, explained that the initiative aims to motivate educators to continuously strive for excellence and leadership within their schools. The selection process involved a thorough vetting of applicants and schools across Paynesville, ensuring the recognition of truly deserving individuals. The awards not only celebrate individual achievements, but they also highlight the importance of quality education in national development. By honoring those dedicated to this cause, YieAS-Doc reinforces the value placed on education within the Liberian community.
Prince Y. Alpha, the deputy director for technical services and facility management at the National Elections Commission (NEC), delivered the keynote address, praising the resilience, passion, and dedication of teachers and administrators. He described them as “sculptors” shaping the minds, characters, and futures of countless individuals, highlighting the profound impact they have on society. Alpha emphasized the transformative power of education, calling it a “beacon of hope” that guides the path towards progress, equality, and innovation. He stressed the importance of continuous professional development for educators, urging them to hone their skills and competencies to maintain their effectiveness.
Alpha’s address further underscored the crucial role of education as a societal investment in its most valuable resource – its people. He acknowledged the frequent challenges faced by educators, including inadequate compensation and limited resources, commending their perseverance in the face of such adversity. His words resonated with the audience, acknowledging the significant sacrifices made by teachers and administrators and highlighting their indispensable contributions to the advancement of Liberia. The recognition of these challenges reinforces the need for continued support and investment in the education sector.
Theophilus Goodness Cole, the executive director of YieAS-Doc-Liberia, echoed Alpha’s sentiments, describing teachers as the bedrock of knowledge and essential voices in nurturing and molding future leaders. He extended congratulations to the awardees, commending their hard work, dedicated service, and unwavering commitment to their profession. Cole emphasized the crucial role teachers play in producing effective and efficient individuals who contribute meaningfully to various institutions across the country. His words served to further underscore the profound impact teachers have on societal development and progress.
The 2024 YieAS-Doc-Liberia awards ceremony culminated in the recognition of several exceptional individuals within the education sector. Orenault M.T. Wiles received the top honor as the Best Administrator of 2024, followed by David N’Dorwor Kpehe in second place. In the teachers’ category, Moses D. Jackson, Jr. was crowned Best Teacher of the Year 2024, with Jefferson N. Flomo and Grace T. Conteh securing the second and third places, respectively. These individual recognitions served as a testament to the dedication and excellence within the education system in Paynesville.
The inaugural YieAS-Doc awards ceremony not only celebrated individual achievement but also highlighted the broader significance of education in national development. By recognizing the contributions of exceptional teachers and administrators, the organization underscored the transformative power of education and its capacity to shape future generations. This event marks the beginning of an annual tradition, reaffirming YieAS-Doc’s commitment to supporting and uplifting the education sector in Liberia. The emphasis on continuous improvement and the acknowledgment of existing challenges pave the way for future initiatives and investments to further enhance the quality of education within the country.
