Published: June 29, 2026
MONROVIA — Gender, Children and Social Protection Minister Gbeme Horace-Kollie has challenged more than 863 graduates of Gonet Academy’s Cohort 14 to build careers anchored in integrity, accountability, and excellence, warning that while academic qualifications may open doors, character is what determines lasting success.
Delivering the keynote address Saturday during the academy’s graduation ceremony in Monrovia, Horace-Kollie urged the graduates to resist the temptation of compromising ethical values for short-term gains and instead become professionals known for honesty, trustworthiness, and purposeful leadership. Gonet Academy Founder and Chief Executive Officer Mohammed Kerkula, meanwhile, challenged the graduates to become lifelong learners, lead with integrity, and create opportunities for others.
Held under the theme, “Beyond Graduation: A Call to Excellence, Integrity, and Purposeful Leadership,” the ceremony brought together senior government officials, development partners, professional trainers, parents, and hundreds of graduates. Gonet Academy also celebrated the graduation of more than 1863 professionals in various disciplines, making Cohort 14 the institution’s second-largest graduating class, surpassed only by Cohort 12.
Gonet Academy is one of Liberia’s leading professional development institutions, providing practical skills, leadership training, and industry-focused education aimed at strengthening the country’s workforce.
Horace-Kollie reminded graduates that professional success extends far beyond academic achievement.
“While qualification may open the door, and that is the truth, integrity determines how long that door remains open,” she said. “Your certificates, your diplomas, or impressive resumes may secure the initial interview. They might get you a seat at the table, but remember that it only gets you through the doors. Your character is what sustains you there for the longest.”
She warned that professionals will inevitably encounter situations where ethics are tested, urging them to choose principle over convenience.
According to the minister, accountability means taking responsibility not only for successes but also for failures.
“I charge you to guard your reputation fiercely because, as the saying goes, your reputation arrives before you can ever get there. Commit to building a personal brand that requires no explanation. Be known for honesty,” she challenged.
“Let your words be an unbreakable contract. Be known for accountability.”
She urged graduates to own their victories but accept responsibility for their mistakes even more quickly.
“Be known for professionalism. Show up, do the work, and treat every individual with respect. Be known for trustworthiness. Become the person others rely on when the stakes are high.”
The minister emphasized that although industries, technologies, and workplaces will continue to evolve, integrity, accountability, professionalism, and trustworthiness remain the most valuable professional assets.
She also encouraged graduates to strengthen their creativity, adaptability, communication, emotional intelligence, and critical-thinking skills to remain competitive in an ever-changing job market.
“Do not just follow rules; act with genuine principle and professionalism. Do not trade your character for convenience. Let your qualifications be the foundation of your career, but let your integrity be its ceiling,” Horace-Kollie admonished.
Speaking earlier, Gonet Academy Founder and Chief Executive Officer Mohammed Kerkula highlighted the institution’s continued growth and the increasing participation of women in professional education.
According to him, Cohort 14 enrolled 1,012 learners, making it the academy’s second-largest intake after Cohort 12.
He noted that participants represented all 15 counties of Liberia, reflecting the expansion of professional education beyond urban communities.
Women accounted for 59.4% of enrollment and achieved an impressive 95.88% completion rate, compared with 90.93% among male learners.
“These numbers tell a story. A story of resilience. A story of determination. A story of women refusing to be left behind,” Kerkula said. “To every woman graduating today—you are helping redefine leadership in Liberia.”
He added that participants improved from an average baseline knowledge score of 45% to 93.1% upon completion, representing a 48.1% increase in knowledge.
“These are not just statistics. They represent confidence gained. Competencies developed. Careers strengthened. Lives transformed,” he said.
According to the CEO, the academy graduated 863 students across its professional programs, including 723 graduates from Foundational Certificate Programs, 126 graduates from Comprehensive Professional Programs, and 14 graduates from Professional Diploma Programs.
Kerkula reminded graduates that behind every certificate lies the sacrifice of families, employers, facilitators, and the graduates themselves.
He challenged them to embrace three guiding principles: never stop learning, lead with integrity, and become creators of opportunity.
“Graduation is not the finish line. It is your license to continue growing. The most successful professionals are lifelong learners. Stay curious. Remain teachable. Keep improving,” he said.
He emphasized that technical competence alone is insufficient without strong moral character.
“The world already has enough talented people. What it desperately needs are trustworthy people. Your competence may open doors. But your character will determine how long those doors remain open. Protect your integrity. It is your greatest professional asset.”
The Gonet Academy CEO also encouraged graduates to become entrepreneurs, innovators, mentors, and community builders rather than simply job seekers.
“At Gonet Academy, our philosophy is captured in three simple words: equip, empower, and elevate,” Kerkula said. “We equip learners with practical knowledge and skills. We empower individuals to lead with confidence. We elevate communities, institutions, and nations through professional excellence. This is more than our framework. It is our promise.”
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