Paynesville, Liberia – The Kutoa Afrika Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to empowering young women through technology, has launched the third cohort of its free computer training program for teenage girls from several schools in Paynesville, outside Monrovia.

By J.H. Webster Clayeh (0886729972)-websterclayeh@frontpageafricaonline.com

The initiative, held over the weekend, forms part of the Foundation’s ongoing mission to promote digital literacy and support girls’ education in Liberia. Students participating in this cycle were drawn from International School System, Body of Christ International School System, and Tyneceploh Educational Foundation.

Speaking at the official launch, Emmanuel D. Kpoto, Executive Director of the Kutoa Afrika Foundation, said the organization was established to give hope to young women through technology and innovation.

“Kutoa Afrika Foundation is doing a lot for young girls in Liberia, and this is the vision of Dr. Gracie Dinkins,” Mr. Kpoto said. “If you walk in here, it’s free — nobody is paying for anything. It’s a one-hour program held after school, and we even provide food and water for our trainees.”

He urged the students to take the training seriously, warning that absenteeism without valid reasons could lead to disqualification.

“Here, we protect you while you learn. This opportunity is very expensive and precious. Make the most of it,” he cautioned.

At the end of the three-month training, four students with outstanding performance will be awarded computers as an incentive to continue their digital learning journey.

Also speaking at the launch, Garsumo Dorlen, Principal of Star International School, lauded the Foundation’s efforts.

“When Mr. Kpoto first told me about this initiative, I thought it was a scam,” Mr. Dorlen admitted. “But today, I’m witnessing its reality. This program is truly changing lives.”

In a similar tone, Madam Pauline Y. H. Kollie, Principal of Tyneceploh Educational Foundation, encouraged the participants to take the training seriously.

“You are not just representing yourselves; you’re representing your schools, parents, and generation. Take this opportunity seriously and make us proud,” Madam Kollie said.

The Kutoa Afrika Foundation continues to make a meaningful impact in Liberia by partnering with schools that educate underprivileged children and training social workers to provide safe environments for students dealing with trauma.

Monrovia – The Kutoa Afrika Foundation, a non-profit organization, over the weekend concluded the second cycle of its tuition-free, three-month computer training program exclusively for girls from several schools across Montserrado County.

By J.H. Webster Clayeh (0886729972) – websterclayeh@frontpageafricaonline.com

The graduation ceremony was held at the Jewel Starfish Foundation Headquarters in Congo Town. A total of 15 students—from both junior and senior high levels—completed the program, which focused on basic computer literacy.

The initiative is part of the Foundation’s mission to empower young women through technology and support girls’ education in Liberia.

Debbie Morris-Caranda, Principal and Proprietress of the School of Prince System (SPS), served as the keynote speaker. In her remarks, she praised the Kutoa Afrika Foundation for being one of the few non-governmental organizations actively promoting girls’ education, particularly in the tech sector.

“Research shows that many families still prioritize boys’ education over girls’. That’s why most young women need financial support to reach the same level as their male counterparts,” Madam Caranda said. “While many groups offer food, clothes, and shelter to girls, few invest in their education. Kutoa Afrika Foundation is among the few that are truly making a difference by educating our young girls.”

She emphasized the importance of digital literacy in today’s world:
“In our current society, being computer illiterate can mean being left behind in the job market, in business, and even in daily life. Thank you, Kutoa Afrika Foundation, for equipping these girls with the tools they need to succeed.”

Madam Caranda also encouraged the graduates to remain resilient and prepare to thrive despite existing gender disparities in leadership.
“Be realistic: there’s a strong male-dominated culture in our country that may not always welcome female competition. But that should never stop you. Let it strengthen your resolve to pursue your dreams.”

Emmanuel D. Kpoto, Executive Director of the Kutoa Afrika Foundation, said the organization was founded in response to the hidden scourge of sexual violence in the West Point community.
“For years, abuse went unreported—until the death of a perpetrator and the declining health of several victims exposed the truth. We turned that pain into purpose by creating safe and empowering learning spaces,” Kpoto said.

He added that the Foundation’s goal is to build an environment rooted in honesty, courage, and independent thinking—preparing girls for a future shaped by technology.

During the graduation ceremony, four outstanding students—Saraline R. Williams, Justina E. Kiasan, Benetta D. Geddeh, and Desiree Larzalee—were recognized with Certificates of Honor and awarded personal computers for their exceptional performance throughout the training.

Christian G. Barchue, Executive Director of Girl Tech Club, also spoke at the event and highlighted the ongoing challenges in promoting girls’ education.
“Some parents still believe boys should learn while girls stay home. To the mothers here today—thank you for defying that harmful norm and standing by your daughters.”

Atty. Dorbah Stephen Williams, a parent who attended the graduation, commended the initiative and urged the Foundation to consider expanding its reach to include vulnerable boys.
“This is a commendable model. But boys are suffering too. Many are exposed to drugs and lack opportunity. Including them could transform even more lives.”

Monrovia – Kutoa Afrika Foundation has dedicated a hand pump to the Albert Daniel Peabody High School in Marshall City, Margibi County to ease the dire need for water on campus.

 By J.H. Webster Clayeh (0886729972)-websterclayeh@frontpageafricaonline.com

The project is funded by the National Brotherhood of Hunters based in the Unity States of America. The CEO of Kutoa Afrika Foundation Dr. Gracie Dinkins and her team on the campus interacted with students at Albert Daniel Peabody High School before the start of the dedication ceremony.

Madam Dinkins born in California, USA was raised-up in Paynesville, Liberia, from age five to 18 years before fleeing the civil war to continue her education in the US.

Speaking at the event Madam Dinkins added: “My heart never left Liberia. Today, we come to you as Kutoa Foundation. It is a foundation that is five years old. Kutoa is a Swheni from the country of word means giving and we are the giving foundation, and our purpose is to partner with communities that are in crisis.”

She added: “My colleague, Dr. Ford, is an ENT surgeon. He is working with me in Los Angeles. When he heard about the work, we were doing in Liberia he was able to talk to the National Brotherhood of Hunters. And after that, he came to me and told me to find a place where we can build a well and fund it.”

“We showed three places, but you know what, the society chose you. So, you got to know that Albert Daniel Peabody, you are chosen, you are special. There is a reason that the National Brotherhood of Hunters chose you,” she said.

Madam Dinkins added: “I believe the reason is that there are future surgeons among you, there are future policemen, future teachers, future nursery and you guys need water to drink so that you can have strength to study and go on to help Liberia.”

Also speaking, the principal of the Albert Daniel Peabody High School Siplay B.K. Nagbe praised the Kutoa Afrika Foundation for the gesture adding that it is a timely intervention.

“We have been crying for drinking water. With the number of students, we have only a pump on campus, and it cannot serve the students. Sometimes it can break down and there can be no drinking water on campus,” he said.

Nagbe added: “We are just three years old and there are a whole lot of problems we are experiencing here. See how the campus is looking, we don’t have security here. Criminals come and steal our things. Every night, they intrigue in here, no fence, we have been crying for a fence.” 

“Maybe one day, the same way you walked here to provide our students safe drinking water, somebody will walk in here and build our fence for us. Please, as you leave here make contact for us, three years old school still facing problems.”

“You coming here is fine for us. It is a help for us. For you to see for yourself what is being said about Liberia. Liberia needs help, this is part of Liberia, this is Margibi County, this is Marshall city,” Mr. Nagbe ended.