Kakata, Margibi County—About 443 middle-level technicians, who graduated over the weekend from the 73rd Regular program and the 7th Post-Secondary & Professional program at the Booker Washington Institute (BWI) in Kakata, Margibi County, have been urged to transform challenges into opportunities.
By: Yawah Y. Jaivey
The graduates received diplomas in various fields, including Agriculture, Automotive, Accounting, Secretarial Science, Domestic Science, Carpentry, Drafting, Masonry, Plumbing, Electricity, and Electronics, among others.
The graduation exercises, held under the theme “Increasing and Strengthening Partnership to Unearth BWI’s Full Potentials Towards the Centenary; Strategic Posture,” were attended by government officials, development partners, and dignitaries.
Margibi County District Number Two Representative, Ivar K. Jones, who served as guest speaker, urged the graduates to “discover, innovate, and inspire” themselves and others.
Rep. Jones, a strong advocate for education, reminded the graduates that he too has faced numerous challenges, but remained steadfast and determined to pursue his education and business ambitions.
“The world is a competitive place with limited job opportunities,” Rep. Jones cautioned. “I want you graduates not to limit yourselves to high school diplomas. You must go out and inspire others, limit yourselves to fail, or discover yourselves to succeed.”
Rep. Jones further emphasized that it is the obligation of the government, as stated in Article 6 of the Constitution of Liberia, to educate its citizens.
He assured the government’s continued support to educational institutions in Liberia, like the Booker Washington Institute.
For her part, BWI Principal & Executive Officer, Dr. Nancy T. Freeman, expressed her excitement at being part of the institution’s history, having graduated her first batch of students just seven months and 15 days into her tenure.
She emphasized the importance of commitment, dedication, desirability, and integrity in representing the BWI as alumni and members of the workforce.
“We are proud of you, the Class of 2023/2024, for the level of discipline displayed during your stay,” Dr. Freeman said. “Remember, you represent this noble institution wherever you go.”
Additionally, Dr. Freeman disclosed that her administration has made strides in the renovation of dormitories and installed flat screen televisions—in a bid to make the campus a home away from home for the students.
“BWI is well on course”, Dr. Freeman declared.
Also speaking, Hon. Isaac B. Stevens, Chairman of the Board of Governors of the BWI, described the graduation exercises as a milestone marking the culmination of years of dedicated learning and the dawn of a new chapter filled with boundless opportunities and promises of a brighter future.
He urged the graduates to “strive for excellence, set ambitious goals, work diligently, and never settle for mediocrity.”
Hon. Stevens also commended the government and development partners for their unwavering support to the BWI, noting that their continued investment in the institution is invaluable.
Meanwhile, the BWI administration bestowed certificates of appreciation on several training partners for providing job opportunities to prospective graduates at their respective institutions across the country.
