-WomenVoices’ Publisher urges graduates, as she awards female dux scholarship
Focusing on the theme “Education: A Lifelong Journey.”, Madam Helen Nah Sammie, Publisher and CEO of WomenVoices Newspaper urges graduates of the Grace Baptist Institute Kindergarten and Elementary School to strive for academic excellence and moral discipline.
Madam Sammie served as the Keynote Speaker at the institution’s graduation ceremony on June 29, 2024. At the occasion, she painted a picture of hope and brightness for the future and urged them to listen to their parents, pay attention to their lessons, and study hard. She emphasized the importance of education as a lifelong journey and congratulated the graduates on their achievements while reminding them that their future success depends on their actions today.
In her address that dwelled on the graduates, parents, and teachers, Madam Sammie shared words of encouragement and appreciation. “However, to you, the graduates, despite the gloomy picture that I have rightly painted about our society, I see hope and brightness in faces. Your futures look great and promising, provided you continue to listen to your parents, pay attention to your lessons, and study harder. Do not follow bad friends. Continue to be the good girls and boys that your community knows,” she admonished the graduates.
She continues, “Indeed, education is a lifelong journey. That is why you need to remember that today is just the end of a new beginning for that journey. Let me say congratulations for the giant steps you are taking today. But you must always remember that education is much easier when it is self-driven. You should devote more attention to your next level of study and begin to consider who you want to be. What you do now will determine your future success.”
Turning her attention to the parents, especially single mothers, Madam Sammie expressed heartfelt gratitude for their dedication and encouraged them to continue supporting and guiding their children. She emphasized the crucial role parents play in shaping their children’s futures and urged them to remain prayerful and positive influences in their children’s lives.
She noted: “Hence, to you, the parents, especially single mothers, I wholeheartedly thank you for holding on. Do not give up on your children. Especially for mothers, nobody can play our roles better than ourselves. Keep praying and being the best examples that they can be. I know it is not easy, but remaining prayerful and good friends with our children will definitely lead to a happy ending and a good future for them. May our great God see you through. Amen!”
Madam Helen Nah Sammie also commended the teachers of Grace Baptist Institute for their hard work and dedication to shaping the future of Liberia. She acknowledged the noble profession of teaching and reminded the teachers that their impact goes beyond monetary rewards, as they are instrumental in building a better society through education.
“To the teachers of Grace Baptist Institute, Keep up the good work. A better Liberia greatly depends on you. You have chosen a noble profession that builds a nation. Your rewards are not in dollars and coins because your services are incredibly invaluable. I encourage you to continue to be the good examples that your students can become. May God richly bless all the teachers. Amen!” she said.
Moreover, Madam Sammie’s speech touched on the challenges facing Liberia’s educational system and society as a whole. She raised thought-provoking questions about the impact of education in a society plagued by issues such as drug addiction, violence against women and children, corruption, and other vices. She pointed out the alarming levels of drug abuse in Liberia, with school-aged children and even mothers being involved in the drug trade. Sammie also highlighted the prevalence of sexual assault and violence against women and children, calling for urgent action to address these issues.
Madam Sammie emphasized the importance of education as a lifelong journey. She highlighted the shared responsibility of teachers, students, and parents in shaping the educational process and guiding children toward becoming responsible members of society. She expressed gratitude to the school’s administration for inviting her to speak.
Meanwhile, corruption was another key issue addressed by Sammie, who noted that it has deeply rooted itself in all levels of Liberian society, including schools. She condemned the practice of teachers taking bribes or demanding sexual favors for grades, as well as parents bribing teachers for their children’s academic success.
Madam Sammie called for personal commitments to combat societal vices such as disrespect, prostitution, corruption, violence, and hatred. She urged individuals to embrace love for themselves and their neighbors, using biblical principles to guide their actions and prevent the further spread of destructive behaviors in society.
The Keynote Speaker concluded by sharing a quotation by Andrew Williams highlighting the importance of self-driven learning supported by caring adults. She emphasized the potential for incredible accomplishments when children receive appropriate guidance and support from adults.
“Finally, let me conclude with a quotation. Andrew Williams said and I quote: “It is true that learning is most authentic when it is self-driven, but it is also true that the guidance of supporting and caring adults can help to cultivate a passion that may have never been revealed without that support.” Unquote, in other words, if a child who is determined to learn gets the appropriate support and guidance, there can be unbelievable accomplishments that contribute to the betterment and safety of society. Congratulations To All of You!,” she concluded.
