Wuhan, China – The newly elected leadership of the Liberian Student Union in China (LSUIC) has pledged to foster unity amongst students to ensure academic excellence and strengthen cooperation with the Liberian embassy in China.
The annual leadership elections were held in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China on July 25 during the annual convention of Liberians studying in the South Eastern Asian nation.
The students praised the Liberian government for sustaining bilateral ties with the People’s Republic of China which they say has yield benefits for their country including scholarships to develop the human resource capacity of young Liberians.
Allen Bohr James, who was elected president of the union, appreciated the Chinese government for the opportunity given Liberians to study in China.
He also thanked his colleagues for “symbolizing a true culture of oneness” and promised to help sustain gains made by his predecessor.
“Effort leads to excellent performance and excellent performance leads to reward and that reward is our success today,” James said in his inaugural remarks.
“I congratulate you and welcome your ideas and support towards the development of LSUIC and to seek the interest and welfare of every Liberian student in China regardless of your status.”
He urged his compatriots to use wisdom to bring unity to the body for prosperity, while emphasizing that their fundamental value remains “excellence through hard work”.
“The true strength of our members doesn’t only come from our academic excellence or the resources that we have spent together but from the enduring power of our ideas, our opportunities, our freedom, and our courage that make us one people,” he said, while calling for the fullest support of the entire membership.
“Most of you wouldn’t agree with every decision I make, and I won’t solve all your problems without your support.”
James then extended appreciation to President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and the government of Liberia through the embassy in Beijing for seeking the interest of the student community in China.
The newly elected student leader thanked Ambassador Duley McKinley Thomas for his support in “seeking the interest of Liberian students,” and promised that his leadership will work with the Liberian community in China.
But he cautioned against impediments that might put strain on the relationship between the student community and the diplomatic mission.
“To our Embassy, we pledge our loyalty to you and if we remain cooperative, there is little we cannot do in a host of promoting our country and its people in China, but if divided there is little we can do to enhance cooperation between us in promoting our country, and seeking the interest of the students studying in China,” he said.
Those elected to stir the affairs of the LSUIC until July 25, 2018 also include Filmore Wiagbe, Vice President; Sam D. Dennis, Jr. as Secretary General; Tannue B. Kennedy as Financial Secretary General; Hawa K. Akoi as Treasurer and Pastor Dickson Gbarjolo as Chaplain General.
The Liberian Student Union in China (LSUIC) was established July 2006 as a student-based group.
The body’s primary objective is to provide an effective and efficient platform to enhance participation among Liberian Students in China.
LSUIC mission also cultivates and maintains the morale of students; provides amicable learning atmosphere for achievement and success, promotes social, cultural, and political affiliation amongst its members.