A seven-day cultural and educational exchange program has come to an end in Liberia, having engaged more than 150 students and teachers across Monrovia and Buchanan, located in Grand Bassa County.
Hosted by the Nyonblee Cares Foundation (NCF), this initiative concluded with substantial pledges to create a Technology Learning Center and initiate a Youth Radio Program in Buchanan. This development represents an important advancement towards improving educational opportunities and engaging young people in the area.
The event, held from March 27 to April 4, was led by an eminent group of four American women educators affiliated with the MZ Foundation, working alongside InnaStar, the Johnson Foundation, and the Fine Feather Foundation. Their trip was organized as part of the International Cultural Exchange Program, designed to build bridges between young people in Liberia and those from Allentown, Pennsylvania.
In the course of the exchange, the visiting educators had direct interactions with the Ministry of Education, led workshops for 50 teachers, and engaged with more than 100 students ranging from ages 13 to 18. The workshop themes included essential subjects like self-worth, emotional recovery, leadership skills, and cross-cultural communication. These sessions equipped participants with resources for individual development and strength, particularly emphasizing young people’s ability to bounce back from challenges.
A notable program was the Glow Confidence Initiative, spearheaded by actress and empowerment mentor Jacinth Headlam (InnaStar). This initiative leveraged arts and music to assist students in cultivating self-assurance and self-expression. Furthermore, the Restorative Arts & Podcasting workshop, guided by Andrene Brown (Fine Feather Foundation), encouraged students to employ narrative writing, journaling, and podcast creation as tools for emotional recovery and individual articulation.
The program featured Trauma-Informed Empowerment, facilitated by Dr. Cereta Johnson from the Johnson Foundation, offering essential resources for healing from trauma and building resilience. Additionally, Dr. Johnson disclosed future expansion plans for the foundation, mentioning that they aim to open another school in Liberia to keep fostering empowerment among at-risk young people.
As the exchange program drew to an end, Senator Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence, who founded the NCF, formally acknowledged the organization’s board as its designated trustees during her speech. She reiterated her dedication to fostering youth development and promised ongoing backing for various program activities. Additionally, holding the position of President Pro Tempore in the Liberian Senate, she expressed endorsement for establishing a new youth-focused media venture named “Youth Hour.” This project aims to create a space where young people can share their perspectives and discuss matters pertinent to them.
Beyond its educational effects, the initiative underscored the profound influence of cultural ties, collaborative communities, and the significance of arts and tech in bolstering young individuals. Through the creation of a Technology Learning Center and a Youth Radio Project in Buchanan, the NCF guarantees that Liberia’s younger generation has access to essential tools for thriving in an ever-evolving global landscape.
This cultural interchange stands as evidence of the lasting impact of cooperation and dedication to nurturing young people, highlighting a significant achievement in Liberia’s progress within education and culture.
Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).
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