Monrovia – it is usually said that it is good for people to know their cultural heritage. The Stella Maris Polytechnic last Friday, observed a moment of history and culture, under the theme, “Showcasing Liberia’s History and Cultural Practices”.
The program held at the campus of the Polytechnic in Monrovia, brought students from the fifteen counties exhibiting diverse cultural customs, practices and food that bring them together as a people.
Serving as the guest Speaker, Dr. Olubankie King Akerele, who previously served as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Commerce and Industry, emphasized the importance of people and the younger generation knowing their culture and their roots of origin as a people.
“I recommend that this kind of cultural programs be included in the educational curriculum and let it be a requirement for graduation so that the younger generation can know their culture and background. As we all hear Rev. Emmanuel Bowier talk about the various tribes and where they came from, so I ask that we work together in making some progress to make this happen,” the former minister averred.
Dr. Akerele, currently the Executive Director for Growing Patriotism, said at the Angie Brooks center, where she works, the Liberian Institute for growing patriotism is geared toward the history of Liberia.
“How are you going to be a patriot when you do not know your history or culture? What is each of you doing to contribute to Liberia? We all have to contribute to nation building. We cannot always keep feeling sorry for ourselves but we should get up and do something positive. What I am saying are not just empty talks but do the action because I am a woman of action.”
Ms. Carla Lopes, UNMIL Civil Affairs Officer, said: “The role played by institutions of leaning and students, the future leaders of Liberia, is of paramount importance in clarifying myths, providing a more balanced account of the historical trajectory of the country and acting as agents of peace and reconciliation, therefore continuing to play a key role in the democratization and state building effort,”
She said in that context, history ought to be the center of Liberia’s reflections over the past, in particular the legacy of the civil war and deep social cleavages. “I wish to highlight some of the crucial roles history and culture play in shaping a sense of national identity and fostering peaceful coexistence between various ethnic groups and people sharing diverse religious and ideological affiliations,” She said.
Ms. Lopes said UNMIL has played a vital role in promoting peace and stability in the country, in support of critical reforms in security sector and governance structure. And as part of UN family, UNESCO plays a critical role in the identification of preservation of cultural heritage and historical sites, the promotion of African history and support to the education sector and to the national history project and to the work of the Ministry of Information Culture Affairs and Tourism.
Also at the program was Dr. Amos C. Sawyer, head of the Governance Reform Commission, thanked Sister Mary Laurene Brown and said he was happy to be a part of such program, because it educated him of the many different cultural practices and beliefs. “Congratulation Sister Mary Laurene for such a program, I enjoyed it so much, because it is important to know where you come from, to know where you are going.”
Friends, families and loved ones in attendance were thrilled to a fun-filled cultural exhibit. Sister Mary Lauren Brown, President of Stella Marris Polytechnic, then awarded several students for excellence in different disciplines.
Mae Azango [email protected]
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