Monrovia– Forty-eight high-school students have graduated from the inaugural cohort of the RE-Novate Entrepreneurship Academy — the first full-scale rollout of the program following its successful pilot.
By Jaheim T. [email protected]
Through this flagship initiative, TRIBE is reimagining secondary education in Liberia by equipping students with entrepreneurial knowledge, practical skills, and workplace exposure.
The certification ceremony was held on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex Ballroom in Congo Town. Of the 51 students initially enrolled, 48 successfully completed the nine-month journey, which featured classroom workshops, mentorship, a learning excursion, student-led projects, and internship placements.
In brief remarks at the ceremony, TRIBE’s CEO, Wainright Acquoi, stated that RE-Novate was created to demonstrate that if you provide young people more than a classroom and give them a stage to dream—they can truly excel.
“We created RE-Novate to show that if you give young people more than a classroom—if you give them a stage to dream, to try, to fail, to learn, to experience—they can, and will do extraordinary things”, said Acquoi. “And we have quite put out some moments of perfection.”
Also speaking, TRIBE’s Director of Learning Solutions, Elvis M. D. Browne, described the program as a demonstration of what is possible when young people are given opportunity and structure.
“From workshops to mentorship and internships, these fellows have proven that with the right environment, they can thrive and lead change.”
A Journey Beyond the Classroom
The program was implemented in four partner schools — Alexander B. Cummings Model School Of Science & Technology, ELWA Academy, Lott Carey Mission, and St. Maria Goretti Institute.
Students participated in 24 experiential workshops across four modules: Entrepreneurship, business strategy, financial literacy, and leadership.
Teams designed practical solutions to school- and community-based challenges. At the August pitch competition, ten teams presented innovative ideas. Waste to Wealth, a team from the Alexander B. Cummings Model Science and Technology School won first place with a waste-to-compost solution that project addressing Liberia’s sanitation crisis, while other teams proposed solutions on menstrual health and domestic violence.
Mentorship and Internships
Each fellow was paired with a mentor from a pool of 29 young professionals across diverse fields. Over three months, fellows logged more than 100 mentorship hours, shadowed professionals, and explored career paths.
In August, 25 fellows completed one-month paid internships at 18 institutions, including J-Palm Liberia, Petra Resources, Mira Gas, and Wellness Partners.
Parents and students spoke about the program’s impact.
“Angel’s involvement helped develop her problem-solving ability and presentation skills, and for that I’m grateful,” said Standee Pinky Weah, mother of graduate Angel Thomas.
“RE-Novate taught me how to spend wisely, communicate effectively, and understand the core of entrepreneurship,” said Maya Hou of ELWA Academy. “It gave me the tools and confidence to
Grow as a young entrepreneur.”
Rev. Emile Sam-peal, principal of Lott Carey Baptist Mission School, added: “We’re thankful for our partnership with TRIBE, which gave our students real exposure to entrepreneurship and hands-on internships. The experience has truly enriched their lives.”
Looking Ahead
The program also invested in sustainability by training 30 educators and administrators through a workshop with Teachers Farm, creating pathways to expand RE-Novate beyond the four schools.
With fellows now transitioning into the RE-Novate Alumni Network, TRIBE plans to scale the program to more schools and deepen partnerships with Liberia’s education and business ecosystems.
The initiative was supported by the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Presidential Center for Women and development (EJS Center) and the Mastercard Foundation, reflecting a shared commitment to reimagining education and expanding opportunities for young Liberians.
The graduation marked not just the close of a nine-month journey but the beginning of a movement preparing Liberia’s youth for meaningful futures.
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