Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed platform guests, faculty members, graduating students, and distinguished members of the LICOSESS College of Education community, it is with great pleasure and pride that I address you today at the 8th graduation convocation of our esteemed institution here in Pleabo, Maryland County.
The journey of LICOSESS, from its humble beginnings to its current standing as a beacon of education and hope, is a testament to the power of thinking outside the box and daring to challenge the status quo. For over the last 26 years, our institution has embodied a spirit of innovation, resilience, and unwavering commitment to excellence that has propelled us forward in the face of adversity and skepticism.
LICOSESS was born out of the humble vision of noble individuals who recognized the urgent need to fill the void left by the closure of the government-run RTTI during the tumultuous civil war. In a time of chaos and uncertainty, these visionary men dared to dream of a brighter future through education, laying the foundation for what would become a transformative institution dedicated to shaping minds and changing lives.
Throughout our journey, LICOSESS has faced numerous hurdles, not just from the ravages of civil war, but also from individuals in positions of authority who saw only the negatives of our institution and sought to undermine our progress and survival. Despite being pushed between the proverbial rock and hard places, we have persevered, standing firm in our mission and commitment to providing quality education to our students and communities.
Today, as we stand here, we can proudly declare that we are still here, stronger and more resilient than ever before. We have weathered storms, overcome challenges, and defied the odds to emerge as a shining example of what can be achieved through dedication, perseverance, and a steadfast belief in the transformative power of education.
At LICOSESS, we do not apologize for our commitment to excellence and our unwavering dedication to our students and communities. We believe that what we are doing is not just important, but essential, and we will continue to forge ahead with courage, conviction, and a steadfast belief that education is the key to unlocking endless possibilities and building a brighter future for all.
As we reflect on our past struggles and triumphs, let us draw inspiration from our journey and use it as a beacon of hope and resilience for the future. Let us continue to think outside the box, challenge the norms, and dare to dream big, knowing that with perseverance, determination, and a steadfast commitment to our values, we can overcome any obstacle and achieve greatness.
In 2016, LICOSESS made a bold and strategic decision to establish a presence in Pleabo, Maryland County, driven by the visionary foresight of noble individuals who recognized the urgent need to fill the educational gap. Today, after 8 years, LICOSESS has trained 600 teachers in this county
The journey to Pleabo has been marked by resilience, determination, and unwavering commitment to providing quality education to the communities we serve. It is a testament to the indomitable spirit of our institution and the transformative power of education in changing lives and shaping futures.
I want to take a moment to spotlight the inspiring stories of individuals like Botoe Botoe, a visually impaired student who found solace, inspiration, and opportunity at LICOSESS here in pleabo 7 years ago. Since his graduation, Botoe has not only excelled in his pursuits but has also become a beacon of hope and inspiration for others in his community. His trajectory from a LICOSESS graduate to a staffer at the Legislature in Monrovia, and now as a dedicated student pursuing his bachelor’s degree at our institution, is a testament to the limitless possibilities that education can unlock.
I also want to acknowledge the remarkable dedication of an 80-year-old man who devoted 45 years of his life to the education sector, with over 30 years spent as a government employee without the requisite credentials to be recognized as a qualified teacher. In 2017, after decades of dedication and perseverance, he finally achieved his dream of becoming a qualified teacher. His story is a poignant reminder of the transformative power of education and the unwavering commitment of individuals who dare to dream and strive for excellence.
I want to use this medium to thank the Tubman University whose faculty have join us in providing community service enabling us to provide high-quality education and training to over 600 teachers in Maryland County, empowering them to make a positive impact in their communities.
Today, I am pleased to share important updates regarding the operations of the Pleabo branch of our institution. His Excellency Joseph Boakai, the President of Liberia, has emphasized the urgency to depart from traditional business practices. This directive comes in response to the swift evolution of pedagogical methodologies and curriculum adjustments being introduced by the National Commission on Higher Education (NCHE) through the USAID-TESTS project, with LICOSESS standing as a distinguished beneficiary.
The inclusion of your son, Anthony William, on the board of trustees of LICOSESS, who has expressed a keen interest in collaborating within his district and county, further motivates us to adapt to these dynamic changes. Additionally, there is a crucial need to establish communication with the new leadership at the Ministry of Education to align our initiatives with their educational objectives, particularly concerning teacher training programs.
In light of these developments, I am declaring a temporary suspension of classes for new recruits until June or September to accommodate forthcoming negotiations. This pause will enable us to navigate the financial strains associated with independently sustaining our programs in this region and upholding the quality of our staff without external support. Moreover, this period will be utilized to conduct comprehensive train-the-trainer sessions for our staff members on the implementation of the new curriculum, encompassing universal design of learning principles and a range of faculty and professional development courses recently undertaken by our faculty in Monrovia.
During this interim phase, recruitment activities will continue based on the updated selection criteria across all our programs. I am also pleased to announce the initiation of recruitment for our Associate of Arts Degree program, which will be located at the Methodist School. We extend our gratitude to the Methodist Church board for graciously providing their premises for our classes, fostering an optimal environment for such academic pursuits.
Furthermore, preparations have been finalized for the acquisition of two parcels of land in Pleebo, with construction set to commence as early as May this year. These strategic developments signify our commitment to enhancing our infrastructure and expanding our presence in the region, reinforcing our dedication to delivering quality education and fostering academic excellence within the community.
I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Hoto for his unwavering support over the past 8 years and extend my congratulations to Mr. Chea on his reinstatement as Dean, Your dedication and commitment to the success of our institution are truly commendable and integral to our continued growth and impact.
In conclusion, I want to leave you with three compelling reasons why it is a noble and fulfilling endeavor to serve as a teacher in your own rural community:
1. Impact and Empowerment: By serving as a teacher in your own rural community, you have the unique opportunity to make a direct and lasting impact on the lives of your students, empowering them with knowledge and skills that can transform their futures and the trajectory of their communities.
2. Community Engagement and Connection: Teaching in your own rural community allows you to build strong relationships with students, families, and community members, fostering a sense of belonging, unity, and shared purpose that is essential for collective growth, development, and meaningful change.
3. Professional Fulfillment and Personal Growth: As a teacher in your own rural community, you have the privilege of experiencing the immense satisfaction, joy, and personal growth that come from nurturing young minds, shaping future leaders, and contributing to the overall progress and prosperity of your community. The fulfillment derived from seeing your students thrive and succeed is immeasurable and deeply rewarding.
As we celebrate the achievements of our graduating students today, let us reaffirm our collective commitment to excellence, innovation, and service to our communities. Together, we can continue to inspire, educate, and empower the next generation of leaders, change-makers, and visionaries. Congratulations to the graduating class of LICOSESS College of Education in Pleabo, Maryland County. Thank you for your dedication, passion, and commitment to making