Women Dominate Cohort 14 as Institution Expands Professional Training Across Liberia’s 15 Counties
By Patience Jones
Monrovia – More than 863 Liberian professionals graduated from Gonet Academy on Saturday in a ceremony that highlighted the growing demand for professional education and women’s leadership in Liberia.
The graduation, held at the Harvest Intercontinental Church in Congo Town, brought together government officials, educators, development partners, families, and graduates from across the country.
Delivering the keynote address, Liberia’s Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Hon. Gbeme Horace-Kollie, challenged graduates to pursue excellence, uphold integrity, and embrace purposeful leadership as they enter the workforce.
Addressing the graduating class, the minister described the occasion as more than an academic achievement, saying it marked the beginning of a new chapter of responsibility and national service.
“Graduation is not the destination. It is the commencement of a lifelong journey characterized by learning, growth and service,” she said.
The minister particularly celebrated the significant number of female graduates, noting that women have historically faced barriers to education and professional advancement.
“For generations, women have confronted barriers, stereotypes, and unequal opportunities. Yet through courage, determination, resilience, and unwavering perseverance, women continue to break barriers and redefine possibilities,” she said.
Horace-Kollie urged graduates to make excellence their “personal signature,” warning against mediocrity and emphasizing that integrity remains essential for long-term success.
“Your qualifications may open doors, but your character determines how long those doors remain open,” she told the graduates.
She cautioned against corruption, dishonesty, and unethical conduct, noting that integrity, accountability, professionalism, and trustworthiness remain invaluable in every profession.
“Do not trade your character for convenience. Let your qualifications be the foundation of your career, but let your integrity become your excellence,” the minister said.
The Gender Minister also encouraged graduates to become innovators, entrepreneurs, and community leaders rather than waiting for opportunities to emerge.
“Do not wait endlessly for opportunities to appear. Begin where you are, use what you have, and make a difference,” she added.
Earlier, Gonet Academy Founder and Chief Executive Officer Mohammed Kerkulah described Cohort 14 as another milestone in the institution’s effort to expand professional development opportunities throughout Liberia.
According to Kerkulah, the cohort enrolled 1,012 learners, making it the second-largest graduating class in the academy’s history, surpassed only by Cohort 12.
“Our learners represented all fifteen counties of Liberia, demonstrating that professional development is becoming a national movement rather than an urban privilege,” he said.
He disclosed that women accounted for 59.4 percent of total enrollment and achieved a completion rate of 95.88 percent, compared to 90.93 percent among male learners.
“These numbers tell a story—a story of resilience, determination, and women refusing to be left behind,” Kerkulah said.
The academy reported significant learning gains among participants, indicating that learners improved from an average baseline knowledge score of 45 percent to 93.1 percent upon completion of their programs.
Of the 863 graduates, 723 completed foundational certificate programs, 126 graduated from comprehensive professional programs, while 14 earned professional diploma qualifications.
Kerkulah said Gonet Academy was established five years ago on the belief that Liberia possesses enormous talent that must be developed through quality education and professional training.
“Our mission has never been merely to issue certificates. Our mission is to transform people, transform institutions, and ultimately transform our nation,” he said.
He noted that emerging global challenges, including artificial intelligence, technological innovation, climate change, and increased global competition, demand new skills and continuous learning.
“The question is no longer whether change is coming. The question is whether we are prepared,” he said.
Kerkulah urged graduates to become creators of opportunities rather than simply job seekers.
“Do not measure success solely by the jobs you secure. Measure it by the opportunities you create,” he told the graduates.
He encouraged them to establish businesses, develop innovations, mentor young people, and contribute to solving Liberia’s challenges.
The CEO said Gonet Academy’s philosophy is centered on three principles: “Equip, Empower, and Elevate.”
“We equip learners with practical knowledge and skills. We empower individuals to lead with confidence. We elevate communities, institutions, and nations through professional excellence,” he said.
As the ceremony concluded, both speakers expressed optimism that the graduates would contribute meaningfully to Liberia’s development through ethical leadership, innovation, and professional excellence.
“The future of Liberia will not only be built in government offices or corporate boardrooms,” Minister Horace-Kollie said. “It will be built by graduates like you in classrooms, businesses, farms, research institutions, and communities across our nation.”
