Gbarnga, Bong County – The United Bong County Association in the Americas (UBCAA) celebrated a milestone on Saturday, September 21, 2024, as it graduated 93 students from the fourth cycle of its Computer Literacy Program.

This marks the largest group of graduates in the program’s history, with the ceremony held at the Women’s Center in Gbarnga.

The event drew a large gathering of proud families, community leaders, and distinguished guests.

Under the leadership of UBCAA President Caimon Joe Gbamokollie, the Computer Literacy Program continues to address the pressing need for digital skills in Bong County, helping to bridge the digital divide among students, public and private sector workers, and the broader community.

UBCAA’s Program and Operations Associate, Rufus Myers, provided an overview of the fourth cycle, which commenced in June 2024.

He said that out of the 116 individuals initially enrolled, 93 participants successfully completed the program, with a nearly equal representation of 45 women and 48 men.

Mr.  Myers added that many of the graduates work in key sectors of Bong County, including CB Dunbar Maternity Hospital, Phebe Hospital, and the Central Agricultural Research Institute (CARI).

The ceremony spotlighted the achievements of the top graduates, with Valedictorian Margaret S. Weah, a staff member at the Community Development and Research Agency (CODRA) in Gbarnga, achieving the highest average of 98.4%.

In her address, Ms. Weah encouraged her peers to leverage their new computer skills to enhance their employability and contribute to the development of their communities, urging them to remain proactive in their careers.

Guest speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Evan S. Isaac Zahn, a data specialist with the National Elections Commission, highlighted the critical role of education in national development.

Citing Hosea 4:6, Mr. Zahn argued that Liberia’s past failures in leadership stem from insufficient investment in education.

He emphasized the growing importance of technology and digital skills in the modern workforce, urging the graduates and community at large to prioritize education as a tool for advancement.

Mr. Zahn also took the opportunity to address challenges within Liberia’s education system, condemning corrupt practices where teachers solicit bribes for grades and students offer money for academic success.

He called for urgent reforms to ensure merit-based achievement and the restoration of integrity in the system.

Additionally, Mr. Zahn recommended that UBCAA expand its Computer Literacy Program by introducing night classes, making it accessible to more people with daytime obligations.

Also speaking, UBCAA Country Director Mr. Nuwoe Kellen echoed the organization’s commitment to education as a pathway to empowering Bong County residents.

He urged graduates to apply their newfound computer skills to positively impact their communities, while announcing plans to extend the Computer Literacy Program to Totota, Lower Bong County, providing even greater access to digital education.

“We are incredibly grateful to our members, donors, trainers, and volunteers for their support and sacrifices,” said Mr. Kellen. “Their commitment has made this program a success and continues to uplift Bong County”

Since its inception, UBCAA’s Computer Literacy Program has equipped hundreds of participants with essential digital skills, enhancing their job prospects and enabling them to contribute more effectively to their communities.

This latest graduation marks another step in UBCAA’s ongoing mission to uplift Bong County through education and skill-building.

UBCAA, a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization, remains committed to providing educational opportunities and community development programs for youth, women, and people with disabilities, ensuring that all members of Bong County have a chance to contribute to its progress and development.

The United States — The United Bong County Association in the Americas, Inc. (“UBCAA”) has addressed an urgent letter to Honorable Prince K. Moye, Sr., Senator and Chair of the Bong County Legislative Caucus, demanding robust leadership and immediate attention to critical issues affecting Bong County.

By Caimon Joe Gbamokollie, President, UBCAA

Under the leadership of National President Caimon Joe Gbamokollie and National Board Chair Natt S. Dakagboi, the UBCAA has spared no effort in outlining a comprehensive set of recommendations aimed at driving progress and prosperity in Bong County.

At the forefront of the UBCAA’s agenda is the urgent need for increased funding and oversight for the Bong County Technical College (BCTC).

Highlighting the pivotal role of education in fostering development, the association stresses the importance of adequate resources and accountability measures to ensure the college’s success in equipping the youth with essential skills and knowledge.

Furthermore, the UBCAA demands transparency and accountability regarding the utilization of donations intended for victims of the tragic fuel tanker disaster in Totota, Bong County.

With allegations of mismanagement looming, the association calls upon the Caucus to provide a detailed report on the allocation of funds, underscoring the need for swift and decisive action to address the humanitarian crisis.

In a bold display of solidarity, the UBCAA throws its unequivocal support behind Representative Foday Fahnbulleh’s formal complaint against China Union Investment Liberia Bong Mines Ltd.

Alleging injustices and violations perpetrated by the multinational corporation, the association urges the Caucus to champion a thorough investigation and hold China Union accountable for any breaches of agreements.

With the interests of Bong County residents at stake, the UBCAA calls for decisive measures to ensure justice and sustainable development.

Recognizing the critical importance of healthcare services and municipal infrastructure, the UBCAA advocates for increased budgetary allocation to healthcare institutions and the Gbarnga City Corporation.

With a focus on improving access to quality healthcare and enhancing urban development initiatives, the association underscores the imperative of prioritizing the well-being of Bong County residents.

In a groundbreaking move, the UBCAA asserts its rightful place as a representative of the Bong County diaspora, calling for inclusion in decision-making processes affecting the county’s development.

With a track record of impactful initiatives ranging from computer literacy programs to community farming projects, the association reaffirms its commitment to fostering sustainable growth and empowering disadvantaged communities in Bong County.

In closing, the UBCAA extends its heartfelt congratulations to Honorable Prince K. Moye, Sr. on his well-deserved election as Chair of the Caucus, expressing hope for a tenure marked by collaboration, success, and positive transformation for Bong County.

About the UBCAA

The United Bong County Association in the Americas, Inc. (UBCAA) is a community-based non-profit 501 (C) (3) tax-exempt organization that provides skills-building opportunities for youth and girls and support to persons with a disability and special needs in the community.

USA – The United Bong County Association in the Americas (UBCAA) has ended its national convention in Providence Rhode Island, the United States of America.

Speaking during the just-ended convention, UBCAA National President, Caimon Joe Kollie, thanked participants for gracing the occasion and giving their support to the United Bong County Association in the Americas. In July of each year, the UBCAA convenes a national convention aimed at reviewing its past and present workings and finding a way forward for members of the organization. UBCAA boss noted that his leadership in the period of one year has made significant achievements.

According to him, those achievements have made UBCAA now considered a partner in community development in Bong County. Kollie informed the participants at the event that his leadership has achieved most of its critical benchmarks set in just one year. He said for the first time in more than 30 years of existence as an organization set up a fully operational UBCAA office in Gbarnga, Bong County. UBCAA boss also noted that the organization has started a community farming project in Bong County aimed at training the people of the county in farming skills, the importance of growing their own food and engaging in community farming, among others.

Kollie told participants at the convention that these initiatives were designed to help contribute to food security in the county.

Providing more updates on UBCAA performance for the period of one year, UBCAA President said the organization has also planted rice and vegetables in Bong County. He informed the gathering that they have opened a UBCAA Community Learning Center (CLC) in Gbarnga, Bong County; he added the Community Learning Center is meant to provide space and resources for innovative learning and allow students to gain experience using computers, complete homework, research and learn other critical lifelong skills.

In addition, Mr. Kollie explained that the UBCAA Liberia Program Computer Literacy Program is currently training 84 students from various schools in Bong County. He mentioned that the current leadership of UBCAA has built an interactive professional website (unitedbong.org) that provides information on the workings of UBCAA.

 The UBCAA boss spoke on a wide range of issues confronting the well-being of UBCAA. Meanwhile, a preliminary report from the recent UBCAA Convention suggests, that the organization raised more than US$16,000 in cash and pledges. Releasing the report, UBCAA National President Caimon hailed the joint leadership of the United Bong County Association in the Americas, (UBCAA) for a very successful convention.

“We also extend our profound congratulations to the 2022 UBCAA honorees and awards recipients and the entire General Assembly of UBCAA for supporting the occasion in person and in kind. We remain hopeful for a stronger working relationship to develop our community”.  Mr. Kollie said UBCAA financial team’s preliminary report is $16,000.00 cash on hand (received at the event hall), with outstanding receivables from local chapter ticket sales assumed to be worth US$5,000. “Please be assured that a comprehensive convention report will be published soon”. Mr. Kollie emphasized.

For his part, the Keynote Speaker at the just-ended convention, Dr. Samuel Jacobs-Abbey, praised the leadership of UBCAA for organizing the conference. Dr. Abbey applauded the UBCAA leadership headed by Caimon Joe Kollie for major development undertaken in Bong County.

He said UBCAA must be there to help address those major issues confronting the people they represent. “Prosperity does not refer simply to financial wellbeing. There is more to it than that. Imparting the right values, knowledge, attitude and belief is all part of contributing to the prosperity of the generations after you, he told officials of UBCAA”.

His speech contained with a lot of discussions aimed at suggesting more solutions to issues affecting Bong County and Liberia at large.

The just-ended national convention of the UBCAA  was held under the theme: “Reimagining UBCAA Past, Present and Future”. The national convention took place from July 21-23, 2022 in the State of  Rhode Island, United States of America. Hundreds of Bong County citizens both in the diaspora and from Liberia including partners of the UBCAA were in attendance to grace the convention.