Liberia: Cllr. Gongloe Urges Howard Academy Graduates to Use Education as Path to a Better Life

Caldwell – The Political Leader of the Liberian People’s Party (LPP), Cllr. Tiawan Saye Gongloe, says for Liberia to truly rise, the Government of Liberia (GoL) must invest more seriously in schools, teachers and opportunities for young people.

According to Cllr. Gongloe, ‘‘a nation that neglects education choses poverty; a nation that invests in education chooses progress.’’

Serving as guest speaker at the 2^nd Senior High Graduation Ceremony of the Howard Academy held at the Burning Bush Outreach Ministries Incorporated Benson Street, Upper Caldwell, Mount Coffee, Liberia on Saturday, September 20, 2025, the career lawyer and human rights advocate, challenged the graduates that as they step forward, ‘‘remember this: education is not just for personal gain. It is for service-to lift families, to fight corruption, to heal communities, and to build a just and prosperous Liberia.’’

He congratulated the Class of 2025 of the Howard Academy High School, saying: ‘‘Walk tall, work hard, and let education be your way to a better life. If others can do it, so can you. Liberia is waiting for your light.’’

‘‘A better Iberia is possible with more investment in education by the Government of Liberia,’’ he stated amid tremendous applause from the audience.          

The immediate past President of the Liberian National Bar Association (LNBA), who spoke on the topic: Education-the key to personal and national transformation, informed the graduates that education is the only way to transform individuals and nations.

‘’There are examples all over Africa. Naming a few African countries that are being transformed because of will make this point. The first country that comes to mind is Rwanda-a country, like Liberia, that experienced a terrible civil conflict in which nearly a million of its citizens were killed,’’ the renowned Liberian human rights activist pointed out.

He continued, ‘‘Rwanda, after its tragic history, invested in schools and teacher training. Today, it is one of the safest and fastest growing economies on the continent. Botswana is another example. Botswana has used the money generated from its diamond to educate its children. Today, the money invested in education has transformed that country into one of the most developed in Africa, if not the world.’’ 

‘One example in West Africa is Ghana. From the administration of President Kwame Nkruman, Ghana made education a pillar of advancement. The emphasis on education has produced a generation of entrepreneurs and leaders driving stability, growth and development. In that West African country, Mauritius, Seychelles, Cape Verde, Zimbabwe, among others are much better than Liberia today because the governments of these African countries have invested more in education than Liberia. These countries remind us that when you educate your people, you strengthen peace, safety and prosperity,’’ Cllr. Gongloe said.

The renowned Liberian lawyer told the graduates that the same truth applies to them.

‘‘Some of you come from families that could barely afford school fees. Some walked long distances to class or studied at night by candlelight Yet here you are wearing your gowns with pride. That perseverance shows what education can do. But this should not be the end. Rather it must be the beginning of your journey to transform, not your own lives, but also Liberia,’’ he added.

 Meanwhile, all the graduates of the Howard Academy High School have been hailed for successfully passing the West African Examinations Council Exam. The school’s administration and faculty were also thanked for the students’ great success.