Monrovia – The Bassa Students Association in Rwanda (BASIR) has honored Grand Bassa County Superintendent Karyou Johnson for what the students described as his outstanding support for their education and welfare in Rwanda.
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh
The recognition was presented during a gathering of Bassa students in Rwanda, where Superintendent Johnson reaffirmed his commitment to supporting Liberian students pursuing higher education abroad.
As part of his continued support, Johnson donated US$1,200 toward BASIR’s student programs, fulfilling a commitment he had previously made to the association.
The superintendent used the occasion to encourage graduating students to return to Liberia and use their education and skills to contribute to national development.
Johnson told the students that obtaining an education abroad should not be viewed simply as a pathway to employment, but as an opportunity to acquire knowledge that can be transformed into solutions and opportunities back home.
“When you don’t fight for your team or job, to make people know that what you are learning here can create positive impact in your country, yet you don’t get the opportunity,” Johnson said, urging graduates to demonstrate the value of their education through their work.
He challenged students completing their bachelor’s and master’s degrees to return home prepared to face the realities of the Liberian job market.
“Those who are graduating, go back now, start the struggle, fight for the job, rebuild your home,” he said.
Johnson said graduates must help Liberians understand that the education they receive abroad is relevant and capable of contributing to a better future.
He also praised BASIR for its organization, describing the association as an example of what Liberian students abroad can accomplish through unity and cooperation.
“There are a lot that I have learned from you guys. One, you guys are really, really organized,” he said, adding that he was proud to see scholarship students maintaining such a high level of organization even without direct sponsorship.
Johnson also pointed to the achievements of some Rwandan-based Liberian students as evidence that they are helping to put their educational community on the map.
He encouraged students not to give up when they encounter difficulties in seeking employment or establishing themselves after graduation.
“Those who are graduating, go back there, take the challenge, and never give up,” he said.
Beyond Degrees: Johnson Urges Creativity
The Grand Bassa superintendent further encouraged graduates to look beyond traditional employment and become creative in using their education and skills to create opportunities.
He recalled his own experience as a young graduate, saying the transition from university to professional life can be challenging and requires a different mindset.
“I was like you when I came for my graduation,” Johnson said, reflecting on his own experience.
He cautioned students against assuming that obtaining a degree automatically guarantees employment.
Instead, he encouraged them to develop innovative ways to earn a living and contribute to Liberia’s economy.
“One thing you need to do is that when you leave, you have to be very creative,” he said. “It’s just not about the economic things that you learn. It’s about being creative, using your brain to make money.”
Johnson said Liberia offers opportunities for educated young people to create their own employment rather than waiting solely for government or private-sector jobs.
“In Liberia, you can create your own job to make money,” he told the students.
A Broader Commitment to Liberian Students
Johnson’s visit to Rwanda comes as he continues to engage with Liberian students and scholarship beneficiaries abroad.
He noted that he had also received an invitation and communication from scholarship students from Lofa County, explaining that his family background connects him to both Lofa and Grand Bassa.
“My father is from Lofa County. My mother is from Grand Bassa County,” he said.
Johnson said this connection made his participation in activities involving students from both counties particularly meaningful.
The BASIR recognition underscores the growing engagement between county leadership and Liberians pursuing education abroad, while Johnson’s donation provides direct financial support for the association’s activities.
The superintendent pledged to maintain his support for the students and encouraged BASIR members to remain united, organized and focused on ensuring that their education ultimately benefits Liberia.
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