Monrovia, Liberia – A stunning success story comes from the most distant places as ArcelorMittal Liberia prepares to launch its massive Phase-II Expansion Project, which promises to help improve Liberia’s economic environment by creating employment and advancing the government’s ARREST Agenda.
This story is not only about mining or economic growth; it is also about opportunity, resiliency, and the transformational potential of corporate social responsibility.
Yarwin Mehnsonnoh Statutory District in Nimba County, one of the areas impacted by ArcelorMittal Liberia’s activities, is home to Ferrison Saye Andrews, who is the first person from his district to obtain a Master’s degree in Mining Engineering.
Andrew’s schooling was entirely supported by ArcelorMittal Liberia. He claims that this accomplishment demonstrates the company’s dedication to making investments in Liberia’s human capital, and it is at fostering hope, and paving the way for a brighter future.
In a live interview with The Truth of the Matter, a midweek show on Nimba D-9 TV, Engineer Andrews shared his thoughts on his difficult path.
“After completing my elementary schooling in Laitoin, I relocated to Garr, which is located in the Mehnsonnoh Administrative District. Life was difficult; I had to set traps for animals to pay for my school fees and managed to survive with the assistance of my poor grandma. Even though my devout parents were unable to provide for me financially, I stayed committed and focused on pursuing my goals.”
His journey led him to Monrovia, where he began riding commercial motorcycles in order to support himself and further his schooling. He had no idea that his years of perseverance would pay off in the form of an ArcelorMittal Liberia scholarship, which allowed him to graduate from a prominent Ghanaian institution with a Master’s degree in Mining Engineering.
Andrews’s parents called in to convey their sincere thanks to ArcelorMittal Liberia during the live interview, which was carried on other radio stations around Nimba County, including Radio Voice of Yarwin Mehnsonnoh 99.1 FM.
“This opportunity has changed our lives. Our son’s success is not just his own but a victory for our entire community,” they said.
More than thirty of Andrews’s friends, family, and supporters in Liberia and the diaspora flooded the program’s phone lines with calls. They praised his commitment and their gratitude for ArcelorMittal Liberia’s scholarship program, which is assisting in closing the opportunity gap between talent and underprivileged communities.
The narrative of Andrews serves as an example of the extensive effects of ArcelorMittal Liberia’s educational assistance. By helping students realize their goals, the firm is improving entire communities in addition to creating a pool of qualified workers for Liberia’s mining industry. This fits in perfectly with the government’s ARREST Agenda, which places a high priority on job creation and economic development.
“My dreams have come true today thanks to ArcelorMittal Liberia,” Andrews said. “I hope that in order to make a significant contribution to the mining industry and the country, the company will continue to engage and integrate scholars like myself.”
All over Yarwin Mehnsonnoh Statutory District and beyond, Andrews’ accomplishment provides cause for hope. He is a role model for many young Liberians who want to overcome their situations since he is the only person in his district to get such an academic diploma. His experience serves as a reminder of the value of perseverance, diligence, and the transformational potential of having access to high-quality education.
Stories like Andrews’s serve as potent reminders of ArcelorMittal Liberia’s role in determining the country’s destiny as it gets ready for its Phase-II Expansion Project.
In addition to the financial gains from higher iron ore output, the expansion shows a dedication to capacity building, sustainable development, and community empowerment.
Addressing the long-standing issues with technical capacity development, this effort supports the goal of a wealthy and independent Liberia. ArcelorMittal Liberia is building the basis for a workforce that will propel the country’s advancement for many generations to come by making investments in education and skill development.
Andrews’s story serves as a wake-up call for Liberia’s stakeholders. It pushes communities, businesses, and legislators to make human capital development a top priority as a means of fostering national development. It also encourages people to keep going for their aspirations since they know that even the most challenging goals can be accomplished with the right assistance and hard work.
As Liberia looks to the future, testimonies like Ferrison Saye Andrews serve as a reminder that the real test of development is not just based on economic indicators but also on the lives that have been changed.
