SKD Legacy Foundation launches pathway program scholarship in Grand Gedeh

Published: September 22, 2025

MONROVIA – The Samuel K. Doe Legacy Foundation has officially launched the SKD Pathway Program Scholarship, a flagship initiative designed to strengthen education and empower the next generation of Liberian leaders.

According to a release, the launch is being implemented in partnership with Grand Gedeh University under the leadership of its President, Dr. Eric Z. M. Gbotoe.

As part of the program’s inaugural phase, 20 students enrolled at the university’s newly established Samuel K. Doe College of Agriculture and Forestry will receive full tuition scholarships. The Foundation says the program is intended to boost Liberia’s agricultural future by investing in young people who will contribute to innovation, food security, and sustainable development.

Beyond support for university students, the Foundation has also pledged over US$3,000 to benefit children across the three districts of Grand Gedeh County. That contribution, the Foundation said, will provide direct financial assistance to more than 1,500 elementary, secondary, and high school students in underserved communities.

Co-Administrator Ruth Doe-King, speaking on behalf of the Foundation, described the initiative as both a tribute to the late President Samuel K. Doe and an investment in the long-term progress of the country.

“The SKD Pathway Program represents our deep commitment to education as the cornerstone of national progress. By supporting both higher education and grassroots learning, we are investing not only in individual students but also in the long-term prosperity of Liberia,” the release quoted her as saying.

She added that the initiative is meant to honor the legacy of President Doe by “uplifting future generations and equipping them with the tools to transform their communities.”

Expanding to All Counties

The Foundation further disclosed that it plans to extend the SKD Pathway Program across all 15 counties of Liberia within the next decade. The goal, according to the release, is to ensure equal educational opportunities for students nationwide and to build a foundation for inclusive growth.

The statement encouraged government institutions, private stakeholders, community leaders, and the Liberian diaspora to partner in broadening the program’s reach.

“Together, we can ensure that education remains accessible, sustainable, and impactful for all Liberians,” the release noted.

About the Foundation

The Samuel K. Doe Legacy Foundation was established to preserve and advance the vision of Liberia’s 21st President, Samuel Kanyon Doe, who led the country from 1980 until 1990. The organization focuses on initiatives that promote education, development, and community empowerment.

Its mission, as outlined in the release, is to create opportunities that uplift young people and strengthen the nation’s future.

Local Reactions

The launch of the scholarship program has already generated optimism in Grand Gedeh County, where many residents see it as a chance to break long-standing barriers to education.

Parents and community leaders in Zwedru expressed gratitude for the scholarships and financial assistance, noting that many children in the region are unable to complete their education due to economic challenges.

“I think this is a great day for our children and for Grand Gedeh,” said a local parent. “So many of us struggle to keep our children in school. This program is like a new door opening for the next generation.”

A Legacy of Education and Service

The Foundation emphasized that the Pathway Program is not just about financial aid but about building capacity and resilience within Liberia’s education system. By focusing on agriculture through the newly established Samuel K. Doe College of Agriculture and Forestry, the program also aligns with national priorities around food security and rural development.

Looking ahead, the Foundation says it will continue to engage with educational institutions, community-based organizations, and development partners to ensure that the SKD Pathway Program grows into a nationwide model of empowerment. SKD Legacy Foundation Launches Pathway Program Scholarship in Grand Gedeh.