MONROVIA – The Grand Kru Technical College (GKTC) and the Gbowee Peace Foundation Africa (GPFA) have signed a memorandum of understanding to promote female education at the institution. The agreement, signed on January 23, 2025, at GPFA’s headquarters in Doemah’s Town, Margibi County, seeks to provide critical support to students in need.
Under the terms of the MoU, 68 female students enrolled at the Grand Kru Technical College this semester will benefit from scholarships provided through GPFA’s “Children’s Fund Financial Aid.” This initiative is designed to deliver emergency educational assistance to students facing financial challenges while striving to further their education.
The total financial assistance provided by GPFA for the 68 students amounts to US$1,761.00. The scholarship covers registration fees, ensuring that the students can remain in school despite economic barriers. The partnership also includes commitments to fostering academic excellence and implementing peace-building initiatives to benefit the academic community and the broader populations of Grand Kru and Maryland Counties.
During the signing ceremony, Prof. Dr. Josephus M. Gray, Acting President of GKTC, expressed profound gratitude to Nobel Peace Laureate Madam Leymah R. Gbowee and the GPFA for their support. He acknowledged the financial assistance as a vital relief for the students, many of whom struggle to pay tuition due to severe economic constraints. Dr. Gray emphasized the significance of the collaboration, describing it as a milestone for improving access to education for young women in the region.
Dr. Gray, who also serves as the Dean of the Amos C. Sawyer College of Social Sciences and Humanities at the University of Liberia, reaffirmed GKTC’s commitment to strengthening the partnership with GPFA. He highlighted the impact of the scholarships in easing the financial burdens on students and empowering them to achieve their educational aspirations.
The Administrative Director of GPFA, Mrs. Melvina O. Bright, formalized the agreement alongside Dr. Gray. She emphasized that the collaboration aligns with GPFA’s mission to provide education and leadership opportunities for women and youth.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. David Sheik Konneh, Program Manager of GPFA, announced plans to extend the foundation’s Fairplay Annual Youth Camp and BookBag Drive to Grand Kru and Maryland Counties later this year. He also stressed the importance of accountability, transparency, and academic excellence in awarding the scholarships to ensure that the beneficiaries make the most of the opportunity provided.
Founded in 2012 by Nobel Peace Laureate Madam Leymah R. Gbowee, the Gbowee Peace Foundation Africa focuses on empowering women and youth through education, leadership development, and community engagement. The foundation’s “Our Children’s Fund,” launched in 2013, provides emergency educational assistance to students who may not qualify for full scholarships but require partial or urgent support to continue their education.
Since its establishment, GPFA has awarded 1,274 full-time scholarships for high school, undergraduate, and graduate students across Africa, North America, Europe, and Asia through its Africa Youth Education Initiative. Additionally, 1,789 students have received emergency educational assistance under the “Our Children’s Fund.”
The partnership between GKTC and GPFA represents a significant effort to address educational disparities, particularly for young women, and demonstrates a shared commitment to building a more inclusive and empowered society.
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