Monrovia, Liberia – The Martin K. N. Kollie Foundation has intervened decisively, providing more than half a million Liberian dollars in scholarships to keep 75 students in classrooms and vocational workshops at a time when poverty is forcing hundreds of young people in Margibi County out of school.
The scholarship program, which targeted financially struggling but ambitious students, drew over 1,500 applications from across the county. Following a competitive and merit-based selection process, 75 beneficiaries were chosen to pursue studies at three Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions and Margibi University.
Five students were enrolled at Margibi University, ten at the Harbel Multilateral Accelerated Vocational Training Program, ten at the Perfect Love Vocational Training Program in Harbel, and fifty at the Lib Sister Youth Empowerment Vocational Training Program in Kakata. The awardees are a diverse group of young people looking for academic and skill-based training to enhance their quality of life and make significant contributions to the development of their country.
Martin K. N. Kollie, the chief executive officer of the foundation and an exiled Liberian activist, contributed a total of L$600,000 to pay for the three TVET institutions’ tuition and associated expenses, plus an additional US$285 to support the five students enrolled in Margibi University.
Emmanuel M. Kangar, Jr., a Liberian journalist and member of the foundation team, officially received the monies on Thursday, January 8, 2025. He described the intervention as a lifeline for many young people whose aspirations to pursue an education were in danger of failing.
“CEO and Comrade Leader Activist Martin K. N. Kollie, I am deeply grateful for your continued concern and commitment to the development of Margibi County, particularly your focus on empowering our young people through education and skills training,” Kangar said.
Plumbing, Masonry, Carpentry, Electricity and Electronics, Automotive Repair and Maintenance, Information Technology, Agriculture, Tailoring, Food and Nutrition, Architecture Drafting, and Metal Work and Fabrication are among the vital skill areas in which TVET beneficiaries will obtain Certificates and Diplomas under the program. The recipients from Margibi University will go on to get bachelor’s degrees in their fields.
The most recent scholarship award highlights the Martin K. N. Kollie Foundation’s expanding involvement in closing the education gap in Margibi County, providing dozens of young Liberians committed to overcome financial adversity with hope, skills, and a way forward.
Reported by: Prince Saah
