CONGO TOWN– The auditorium of Harvest Intercontinental Cathedral was alive with excitement and celebration as over 800 graduates proudly marched in their black-and-white attire, accentuated by purple scarves and sashes, marking yet another milestone in GonetAcademy’s journey of shaping Liberia’s workforce. The event, though not the Academy’s first, stood out for its energy, elegance, and the sheer pride radiating from both graduates and their families.
By: Siaway T. Miapue- [email protected]
The atmosphere was electric, families clapped, shouted with joy, and beamed with pride as their loved ones received certificates in more than 20 professional fields, including project management, ICT, finance, leadership, entrepreneurship, monitoring and evaluation, and procurement. Smiles and camera flashes filled the room, turning the graduation into a colorful celebration of achievement and hope.
Mohammed Kerkulah, Chief Empowerment Officer of GONET Academy, stressed the institution’s vision of equipping young professionals for the demands of a rapidly evolving world. “Digitalization, automation, climate change, and global interconnectedness are reshaping the skills needed to thrive in today’s technology-driven economy,” he said. “According to the World Economic Forum, over one billion people will need to be re-skilled by 2030. GONET Academy is responding to this urgent call.”
Kerkulah shared that since its founding, the Academy has trained more than 5,000 professionals and continues to expand, investing in ICT labs, internet facilities, and an alumni networking platform. He highlighted with pride the 58.4% female participation in this year’s class, calling it a step toward ensuring gender equality in professional development. “This is a huge milestone,” he said. “Gender equality is not just a slogan for us; it is our commitment to inclusive learning.”
The occasion also featured a stirring keynote speech by Prof. Edna G. Johnny, President of the University of Liberia Faculty Association, who congratulated the graduates for their perseverance. She urged them to conquer fear and embrace courage as they take on new challenges in their careers and personal lives. “Fear almost robbed me of a breakthrough,” she recalled, sharing how hesitation nearly held her back early in her career. “Do not let fear rob you of your future. Every failed attempt brings you closer to success.”
She encouraged graduates to put their education to use not just for personal gain but for Liberia’s development, quoting Nelson Mandela: “There is no passion to be found in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.”
The graduation class included participants from certificate, professional, and comprehensive programs. Many are already working professionals seeking to enhance their skills, while others are young people taking bold steps to enter the job market. Families filled the room with chants of encouragement, while others danced with joy.
By the close of the program, the message was clear: GonetAcademy is not just an institution; it is a driving force behind Liberia’s human capital development. As graduates walked out proudly in their black-and-white outfits with purple scarves draped over their shoulders, the celebration was more than a ceremony, it was a promise of possibility, a testament to resilience, and a symbol of hope for a stronger workforce and a brighter Liberia.
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