THE 8TH ANNUAL PEACE THROUGH FAIR PLAY(PTFP) YOUTH CAMP
The Gbowee Peace Foundation Africa organized its 8th annual Peace Through Fair Play (PTFP) Youth Camp in Zorzor, Lofa County. This transformative event was scheduled to occur from July 6th to July 12th, 2024, bringing together 50 campers from the local community, towns, cities, and villages around Lofa County. The eighth (8th) annual Peace Through Fair Play (PTFP) Youth camp was themed under Engaging Youth, Embracing Leadership, and Enhancing Peace. This transformative event was designed to empower and educate 50 Camper from various cities and towns around Lofa County. The primary objective of the camp is to cultivate peacebuilding skills and leadership qualities among the youth participants. Through a combination of interactive workshops, sports activities, and collaborative projects, the camp aims to instill values of fair play, tolerance, and effective conflict resolution strategies for these young individuals. By empowering these young individuals with practical tools and knowledge, the camp seeks to foster a generation capable of positively impacting their communities and promoting sustainable peace.
OBJECTIVE OF THE PEACE THROUGH FAIR PLAY(PTFP) YOUTH CAMP
The objectives of GPFA Eighth Annual Peace Through Fair Play (PTFP) Youth Camp are:
To empower youth to become agents of change in their lives and communities by fostering dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect to promote peace and unity among the youth.
To develop peacebuilding skills and leadership qualities among the campers through interactive workshops, teamwork activities, and collaborative projects that instill values of fair play, tolerance, and effective conflict resolution strategies.
To create an opportunity for young leaders to inspire a generation of peacebuilders to improve their communication and writing abilities and commit to fostering inclusive societies and sustainable peace.
PTFP DAY ONE - ARRIVAL
The 8th annual Peace Through Fair Play Youth Camp was hosted in Zorzor at the E.J. Flomo Hotel. On day one, the campers arrive from different areas around Lofa County, such as Salayea, Zorzor, Kolahun, Vahun, Polahwu, Massabolahun, Foya, Voinjama, Fissebu, Borkeza, etc. The PTFP Youth Camp is designed to empower and educate 50 Campers from July 6th to 12th, 2024. The campers had many learning experiences on camp, but the first day began with registration, team arrangement, and settling of basic ground rules.
Madam Gbowee led the rules' writing and lectured them about “Community.” What is a community and its characteristics? Its members, the expectations of community members, and your role in building one. After all these question-and-answer exchanges, they distributed their rooms and tribal color groups. The campers were also taught how to use the hotel facilities and given funds of 107,500 LD to compete as a team based on question-answer and games or points for teamwork and leadership purposes. They were divided into five color groups: Green, Yellow, Orange, Blue, and Brown, and they voted on their leadership.
THE TRIBAL GROUP AT THE PEACE THROUGH FAIR PLAY(PTFP) YOUTH CAMP
PTFP DAY 2 - CIVIL CRISIS & UNDERSTANDING CONFLICT
Day two of the Peace through Fair Play (PTFY) Youth Camp was filled with energy, learning, and introspection, and the day started at 5 am with an invigorating morning called “Rise and Shine,” where campers gathered for a dynamic morning exercise designed to boost their physical and mental energy. Through a series of stretches, aerobic activities, and motivational chants, campers not only woke up their bodies but also fostered a sense of camaraderie and teamwork. This session emphasized the importance of starting the day with a clear mind and a healthy body, ready to embrace the day's challenges and learning opportunities. Later, they showered and began at 7 am with a sumptuous breakfast to kickstart their activities. The core of day two activities was a deeply impactful workshop on understanding conflict. This session was particularly poignant as it delved into the history and impact of Liberia's 14-year civil crisis in Liberia. How, why, where, and when did the war start? Campers were introduced to the origins and complexities of Liberia's civil war, exploring the social, economic, and political factors that contributed to the conflict. Through discussions and interactive sessions, they gained a deeper understanding of how historical grievances and divisions can escalate into widespread violence. This reflection was not only an educational experience but also a powerful reminder of the importance of peace and unity.
Moreover, they also discussed Conflict Resolution Strategies, which build on their understanding of conflict, and then transitioned to exploring strategies for resolving conflicts within their own communities. How can they engage in role-playing exercises, group discussions, and brainstorming sessions to identify effective ways to address and resolve disputes peacefully? Topics included active listening, empathy, negotiation, and the importance of community involvement in fostering a culture of peace.
The combination of physical activity, recreational games, and profound learning made Day Two a memorable and transformative experience for all participants in the PTFP Youth Camp to understand conflict and equip essential knowledge and skills to become peace ambassadors in their communities. The lessons learned today are a palpable sense of empowerment to foster peace and resolve conflicts constructively in their own lives, which will undoubtedly have a lasting impact and help to build a more peaceful and resilient future for all.
PTFP DAY 3 - OUR PEACE & SUSTAINABILITY
Day Three of the Peace through Fair Play (PTFP) Youth Camp was an enriching blend of theoretical exploration and practical learning for all Campers. The day's agenda centered on understanding peace and learning how to cultivate it daily. The morning session began with “Rise & Shine” to energize our minds and bodies, and we went to the conference hall for a refreshing breakfast. Later, Madam Gbowee dived into an in-depth discussion on the topic, What is Peace? Campers engaged in interactive dialogues, sharing their own definitions and perceptions of peace. They explored various dimensions of peace, including Inner Peace -The importance of maintaining a calm and positive state of mind; Social Peace -The building of harmonious relationships and resolving conflicts amicably; and Global Peace - Which is understanding the role of justice, equality, and cooperation among nations. Following this, the focus shifted to “How do we foster Peace in our everyday lives?” The Campers brainstormed practical ways to integrate peace-building into their daily routines. Some key strategies discussed included Practicing empathy and active listening in interactions, Resolving conflicts through dialogue and compromise, Promoting inclusivity and respect for diversity, and Engaging in community service and peaceful activism.
In the afternoon, the campers embarked on a field trip to Lormazue Cassava Farm, a thriving agricultural community managed by a dedicated group of women farmers. This visit was not only an opportunity to learn practical farming skills but also a chance to delve into the region's cultural heritage. The women farmers warmly welcomed the campers and began by demonstrating essential Cassava farming techniques. Campers learned how to weed grass among crops, the correct methods of planting, and overall farm maintenance. This hands-on experience provided valuable insights into sustainable agriculture and the hard work of producing food. After returning from the farm, Mr. David Zaza lectured about our rich cultural heritage. He shared stories about the history and traditions of the Lorma, Kissi, and Kpelleh tribes and how we migrated to his land. Campers learned about traditional farming practices, the significance of various crops, and the cultural etiquette that has been passed down through generations. This included the origins of these tribes and their contributions to the region's history and cultural landscape.
The farming experience was particularly impactful, underscoring the importance of community, tradition, and sustainable living. The campers were left with a deeper appreciation for the role of women in agriculture and the rich cultural tapestry of the Lorma, Kissi, and Kpelleh tribes. They returned to the camp with a strengthened commitment to peace-building and a greater respect for their community's cultural and agricultural heritage. Day Three was not just about learning; it was about connecting with the land, the people, and the enduring spirit of peace and tradition.
PTFP DAY FOUR - OUR COMMUNITY & TRADITIONAL HERITAGE
The PTFP Day Four was all about community engagement and cultural enrichment. The training aimed to help participants understand community building and service put this knowledge into action through community service, and end with an exciting cultural dance session. The morning began with our regular exercise, “Rise & Shine,” and breakfast at 7 am. Later, a thought-provoking discussion on the topics, What is Community Building and Community Service? How Can We Build Our Community or Render Services in Our Various Communities? The campers explored the concepts of community building and service, understanding them as essential components of creating strong, supportive, and resilient communities. Key points included: Community Building is the process of fostering connections among community members, promoting cooperation, and developing a shared sense of purpose. Community Service is Voluntary action taken to improve the community, address needs, and contribute to the well-being of all members. They also brainstormed practical ways to build and serve their communities. Some ideas discussed were Organizing community events to bring people together, Volunteering in local projects and initiatives, Promoting cleanliness and environmental sustainability, Supporting local businesses and artisans, and Advocating for social justice and equality.
After the workshop, they put their theory into practice; campers dedicated part of their day to a community service project in Zorzor City. Armed with cleaning supplies and a spirit of teamwork, they set out to clean the streets and public spaces of the city. Campers worked together to pick up litter, sweep streets, and tidy parks and common areas. This activity not only beautified the city but also instilled a sense of pride and responsibility among the campers.
Community members appreciated the effort, and many joined in, fostering a collective spirit of care for the environment, including the Representative of the District. The day concluded with a vibrant cultural dance session. Campers had the opportunity to learn traditional dances, immersing themselves in the region's rich cultural heritage. They learned about the history and significance of these dances, understanding how they convey stories, celebrate milestones, and strengthen community bonds. As the day ended, campers reflected on the importance of community involvement and cultural appreciation. They returned to the camp with a deeper understanding of their roles as active citizens and custodians of their cultural legacy. Day Four was a testament to the power of community and the beauty of tradition, leaving lasting impressions on all who participated.
PTFP DAY 6 -AWARD’S DAY
The campers wrote an open letter to their lawmakers, demanding improvements in education policies, especially for rural areas. They emphasized the need for Quality Education by enhancing the curriculum to meet global standards and prepare students for future challenges, Access to Resources by ensuring that schools are equipped with the necessary materials and facilities, Teacher Training by providing ongoing professional development for educators to improve teaching quality, and Student Support to Implement programs to support students' scholarships, mental health, and technical training.
The open letter to lawmakers was a significant step in their journey as active and informed citizens, demonstrating their determination to contribute to positive change in their communities. Later, they took group pictures at various sites, including the Executive Mansion, Capital Building, and Temple of Justice. They later moved to the Monrovia City Hall for Lunch and had serious sessions and impactful discussions on Peer Pressure and Drug Addiction led by Rev. Caleb Domah. The focus was on understanding and combating peer pressure and drug addiction, centered around the critical topics of exploring the nature of peer pressure and understanding how it can influence their decisions and behaviors. Discussions highlighted the following Types of Peer Pressure: Direct, indirect, positive, and negative influences. However, more discussions were conducted on coping strategies, such as building self-confidence, seeking support from trusted individuals, and making independent decisions.
The conversation then shifted to drug addiction, focusing on its causes, effects, and prevention strategies. Key points such as Causes and Effects: Understanding how peer pressure, curiosity, and stress can lead to drug use and the devastating impact addiction can have on health, relationships, and future prospects. However, they were advised on prevention and Support methods: Recognizing the importance of education, early intervention, and seeking help from professionals and support groups. These sessions on peer pressure and drug addiction provided campers with essential knowledge and coping strategies for the rising problem among our youth. As the day concluded, the campers returned with a sense of accomplishment and a deeper understanding of their roles in society.
PTFP DAY 6 -AWARD’S DAY
The morning began with breakfast and later with devotion. Madam Gbowee led the training session, which was dedicated to discussing What collective action we can take as campers to build our nation. How do we envision the future? Campers brainstormed ideas and shared their thoughts on how they could contribute to nation-building. Some key points include Community Service Projects by Initiating and participating in projects that address local issues, such as clean-up drives, tree planting, and educational programs. Advocacy and Awareness: raising awareness about critical social issues through campaigns, social media, and community meetings. Youth Leadership: taking on leadership roles in schools and communities to inspire and mobilize other young people. Collaboration: working with local organizations, governments, and other youth groups to amplify their impact. In envisioning the future, they reflected on their experiences and discussed their hopes and plans for the future. Key visions included: Empowered Communities: Using the skills and knowledge gained at the camp to empower their communities, promoting peace, education, and development. Personal Growth: Continuing their personal development by seeking further education, engaging in community service, and nurturing their talents. Sustainable Change: Working towards sustainable solutions for their communities' social, economic, and environmental challenges.
The day's highlight was the awarding ceremony, where the best camper “Mohammed Jawaned” was honored with the prestigious Peace Ambassador title. This award recognized their outstanding leadership, commitment to peace, and active participation throughout the camp. The Blue tribe was the best team, which accumulated the most money in their bank accounts “ from various activities and was also recognized. These activities included questions and answers, news reading, morning devotion, games, talents, and more. The funds were distributed among team members based on their contributions and achievements over the camp period. As they returned to their communities, these young leaders carried a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to peace and progress. The camp experience equipped them with the tools, knowledge, and inspiration needed to make a positive impact, and the title of Peace Ambassador served as a reminder of their potential to lead and inspire.
PEACEJAM -LIBERIA (PJLIB 2023)
5TH ANNUAL YOUTH LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
PEACEJAM LIBERIA 5TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE (PJLIB)
The PeaceJam Foundation (PJF/ PJHQ) is a US-based global youth organization led by Nobel Peace Laureates. It was founded in 1993 by Ivan Suvanjieff and his wife, Dawn Engle. The organization serves as an educational outreach program for Nobel Peace Laureates to youth worldwide.
PeaceJam is hosted in over Fifty (50) Countries worldwide. It started operations in Liberia in 2012 through the 2011 Nobel Peace Laureate Madam Leymah Roberta Gbowee’s foundation, the Gbowee Peace Foundation Africa (GPFA). PeaceJam Liberia (PJLIB) is one of the numerous projects under the Transformative Leadership Initiatives (TLI) Program/ Core Priority Investment Area (CPIA) of the GPFA. The PJLIB hosted this event as the PJLIB Annual Youth Leadership Conference (YLC) to create a generation of young leaders committed to positive change in themselves, their communities, and the world through the inspiration of fourteen (14) Nobel Peace Laureates who passed on the spirit, skills, and wisdom they embody.
PEACEJAM - LIBERIA (PJLIB)
This year’s YLC was held under the theme: “Engage, Activate, and Transform for Peace (EAT4PEACE)” at the Liberia Baptist Women Missionary Union (LBWMU); Baptist Youth Camp Falconer (BYCF) on the Robertsfield Highway.
Madam Leymah R. Gbowee,
2011 Nobel Peace Laureate, GPFA Founder & President
2011 Nobel Peace Laureate Leymah Roberta Gbowee is a Liberian Peace Activist, trained Social Worker, and Women’s Rights Advocate, a Humanitarian, a fierce Advocate for Justice; who speaks Truth to Power Without Fear or Favor, an outspoken Supporter, an Advisor for numerous organizations, a highly sought-after Speaker Internationally with her Speeches to advance Women’s Rights, and Women, Peace & Security (WPS). Madam Gbowee serves as a Guest Lecturer at many prestigious universities around the world. She is the current Executive Director of the Gender, Law, and Transformative Peace Initiative now Institute at the City University of New York (CUNY) School of Law and former Executive Director of the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Program at the Columbia University’s Earth Institute. She is the Founder and current President of the Gbowee Peace Foundation Africa (GPFA) and Gbowee Peace Foundation Africa-USA (GPFA-USA). She also founded the National Peace & Reconciliation Initiative and is the Co-Founder and former Executive Director of Women, Peace, and Security Network–Africa (WIPSEN-A). Won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2011 for her leadership of the Women of Liberia Mass Action for Peace (WoLMAP); bringing together Christian and Muslim women in a nonviolent movement that played a pivotal role in ending Liberia’s civil war in 2003 – chronicled in the memoir; “Mighty Be Our Powers”, and in the award-winning documentary, “Pray the Devil back to Hell”.
PEACEJAM GUEST
Mr. Kailashi Satyarthi
Keynote Speaker and 2014 Nobel Peace Laureate, Kailash Satyarthi of India used the story of his life’s journey to inspire and encourage jammers not to give up easily in life but always strive to become the best they can be. Mr. Satyarthi who is also a Child Rights Advocate narrated how children in India and other parts of the world struggle and go through harsh labourer work in order to get quality education. At the end of his address, the 2014 Nobel Peace Laureate emphasized his desire to see children have access to quality education regardless of their socio-economic status in society.
Ms. Sumedha Kailash - Co-founder, Satyarthi Movement for Global Compassion, Wife of 2014 Nobel Peace Laureate, Kailash Satyarthi
Ms. Lauren Coffaro - Director of Global Program, PeaceJam Foundation
Mr. Brian Rusch - Board of Director, GPFA-USA
Kathy Terry - Staff, GPFA-USA
Clint Henderson, Staff, The Points Guy (TPG)
Ms. Lucia Sicius - PeaceJam Global Programs Coordinator, PeaceJam Foundation
Power-House Members Training
On November 30, 2023, a refresher training/ workshop was conducted for the Youth Team, Associates, Mentors, Volunteers, and Volunteers to provide information about their roles, duties, and functions at the conference. It was also a learning, networking, and brainstorming session for newly recruited volunteers and powerhouse members in preparation for the meeting. The training focused on the following major topics: GPFA Child Protection Policy, PJF/ PJHQ International Safeguarding Policy for Children, Young People, and Vulnerable Adults, and Overview and History of the GPFA as well as the PJF/ PJHQ and PJLIB. These training sessions were facilitated by Mr. Johnny S. Montgomery, Coordinator, GPFA-TLI-PJLIB, and Mr. David S. Konneh, Program Manager, GPFA.
Day One (1) – Friday, December 1, 2023
Early Friday morning, the bus picked up the Youth Team (Associates), Mentors, Mentor-Volunteers, and Volunteers from major pre-determined pick-up points to be dropped at the LBWMU; BYCF along the Roberts International Airport (RIA) Highway in Montserrado County. After over three hours drive, team members arrived at the Conference Site by 11:00 am. The team proceeded to the Dining Hall to have breakfast, after which the host team officially welcomed the power-house members (Welcoming Ceremony) to the Baptist Youth Camp Falconer and took a guided tour of the entire campsite.
As part of plans to kick off the conference, Power-House Members, Lead Mr. David T. Karmon, had a refresher session with power-house members to inform them of activities leading to the implementation of service projects and the strategic road map and scope of the entire conference. After the briefing session, power-house members visited communities, beaches as well as the Liberia Christian Association of the Blind (CAB)/ National Resource Institute for the Blind in the R2 community to map out, identify, and assess proposed service project sites since it was a new venue and environment selected for this year’s conference. Following a long day of work, powerhouse members gathered in the Dining Hall to have Lunch at about 3:45 pm.
Also, power-house members prepared to receive the first batch of peace jammers on board the YesLiberia Inc. 60-seater Bus. The first batch of jammers arrived at the conference site at about 6:00 pm, and the peace jammers, with their Adult Advisors, immediately went to have dinner upon arrival. The other participants came onboard National Transit Authority (NTA) Buses and the GPFA JMMC/ ISUZU 23-Seater Bus, which was donated to GPFA by PJF/ PJHQ/ PJLIB Major Sponsor Mr. Brian C. Kelly, The Points Guy (TPG) in 2019.
Konola SDA Mission Academy - is located on Kakata Highway, Konola, Margibi County. Ten participants and one adult advisor from this school attended the conference.
Jimmy Jolocon Elem & High School - is located in Gardnersville Supermarket, Gardnerville Township, Monrovia City, Montserrado County. Ten participants and one adult advisor from this school attended the conference.
Amos T. Taybior Institute - is located at Bob Taylor Junction, Bassa Town, Red Light Community, Montserrado County. Twenty participants and two adult advisors from this school attended the conference.
Liberia Christian Association of the Blind (CAB)/ National Resource Institute for the Blind - is located in R2 Community, RIA Highway, Vai Town, Montserrado County. Eight participants and two adult advisors from this school attended the conference.
Weltona Christian School System - is located in Seekey Community, Du-Port Road, Paynesville City, Montserrado County. Fifteen participants and two adult advisors from this school attended the conference.
Cathedral Catholic School - is located at Nelson Street, Central Monrovia, Montserrado County. Ten participants and two adult advisors from this school attended the conference.
Don Bosco Technical High School - is located on 8th Street, Sinkor, Monrovia City, Montserrado County. Ten participants and one adult advisor from this school attended the conference.
N. V. Massaquoi Elementary & Junior High School - is located in West Point Community, Central Monrovia, Montserrado County. Ten participants and one adult advisor from this school attended the conference.
Conscious Youth Initiative for Nation Building (COYINB) Organization - is located in Kakata City, Margibi County. Eight participants and two adult advisors from this conference.
PeaceJam - Liberia Mentors
Christ Mission Assembly School System (CMASS) - is located in Kuwait, Duala, Bushrod Island, Montserrado County. Five participants and one adult advisor from this school attended the conference.
Cuttington Campus School (CCS) - is located in Suakoko, Bong County. Four participants and one adult advisor from this school attended the conference.
William V. S. Tubman High School - is located on 12th Street, Sinkor, Monrovia City, Montserrado County. Twenty participants and two adult advisors from this school attended the conference.
Participants: Esther T. Wilson, Musu Barclay, Favor M. Williams, Alice Barr, Lawrence D. Hoff, Christie D. Joe, Samuel Gartoe, Yatta G. Kpogba,
PeaceJam Liberia Adult Advisors
Day Two (2) – Saturday, December 2, 2023
Opening Ceremony
Jammers gathered in the hall for the opening ceremony, which was one exciting and eye-catching moment at the conference. Though they did not parade in their official uniform as was done the previous year, the students gladly sat in seats in anticipation of 2011 Nobel Peace Laureate and Founder/ President of GPFA & GPFA-USA, Madam Leymah R. Gbowee, who highlighted the journey of the 5th Annual GPFA-TLI-PJLIB Youth Leadership Conference (YLC).
Additionally, students from different schools at the conference demonstrated the essence of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the 17 SDGs Moments; this exercise is meant to portray the part that every citizen, precisely youths, has the ability to bring these goals to reality by 2030. Madam Gbowee, however, used the moment to showcase her unflinching support for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Family Groups Sessions
There were twenty (20) established Family Groups with a total of two hundred thirty-four (234) students, comprising ninety-eight (98) males and one hundred thirty-six (136) females. While in the different family groups, peace jammers learned about the life journey of Nobel Peace Laureate Kailash Satyarthi and his Keynote Address and created Family Group Norms and Leadership.
Service Projects/ Project Services
Service Projects/ Project Service being one of the essential part of the Conference was divided into eight groups ranging from A – H. Therefore, PeaceJammers, and Power House Members went into communities and surrounding environments to implement selected service projects, highlighting the act of peace.
Our Rights, Future, Our Responsibilities - (Civic Education & Awareness) Students will hold placards/postal sheets illustrating constitutional rights and duties. Mentors will supervise them and engage street vendors and bypassers to enlighten them.
Beach Sanitation & Awareness (A Healthy Environment is a Human Right) Students, under the supervision of mentors, will clean the beach and educate residents of the beach area on how and why they keep the beach. Garbage Bags & Latex Gloves were tools used in the process.
Vegetable Garden (Hands to Soil, Good, Nutrients)
Learning how to tackle food scarcity and end hunger by Helping to clean up the weeds for the School for the blind vegetables Garden
Global Cleanliness Awareness Campaign - Raise awareness about global issues such as climate change, poverty, or education disparities through informational sessions. They used Garbage Bags/ Latex Gloves
Our Planet, Our Future! - encouraging reforestation to put an end to climate change. The samples of a variety of edible fruit trees will be pre-planted in a bag; mentors will supervise students to plant them in a vertical position, leaving a good amount of Space in between. Twenty samples of edible fruit trees and twenty pieces of small-size biodegradable paper bags were planted at LBWMU - Baptist Youth Camp Falconer.
Community Unity Day: Organize an awareness event to engage with community residents and facilitate discussions on post-election reconciliation with the Baptist Seminary Community.
Day Three (3) – Sunday, December 3, 2023
Ceremony of Inspiration
The Jammers prepared themselves early for breakfast at 8:00 am and later proceeded to the hall for the Ceremony of Inspiration. As the name denotes, the Ceremony of Inspiration is that part of the conference that provides the opportunity for students/ jammers/ participants to listen to stories of the Nobel Peace Laureate/ Keynote Speaker and learn from his/ her life experiences as an Inspiration to the young ones to strive to be an Inspiration. 2014 Nobel Peace Laureate and Keynote Speaker of the 5th Annual GPFA-TLI-PJLIB_YLC, Kailash Satyarthi, encouraged jammers to remain focused, resilient, and determined if they want to achieve their goals. He further narrated his journey to becoming a Nobel Peace Laureate. Mr. Satyarthi also spoke about what inspires him in the face of obstacles and challenging times. The ceremony climaxed with students sharing what inspires them even in the face of challenges.
School Project Presentations
During the PeaceJam year, GPFA-TLI-PJLIB Clubs embark on Community-based Projects in line with the Ten (10) Areas of Focus of the One Billion Acts of Peace (1BAOP) Campaign. At the Conference, they were given the opportunity to present their projects on the Problem they identified, What they did about solving it, and what recommendations they have to curb the situation or prevent its recurrence.
Peace Building - Exploring Initiatives that foster harmony within communities and promote sustainable peace
Developing Healthy Relationship - Setting boundaries and respecting others.
Climate Change - Understanding the Social Impact of Climate Change.
Green Lifestyle - Green living for a sustainable future.
Activism - Harnessing the power of creative expression for Social Change and equality.
Peace & Conflict Resolution - Learning effective strategies for resolving conflicts and promoting collaboration.
Child Labor & Protecting Youth Rights: Understanding Law against Child Labor.
Self-Care- Wellbeing practices for the surface beyond holistic self-care practices that encompass mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing, promoting a positive body image.
Women/Girls Empowerment - Redefining success for teenage girls and boys.
After all the activities for the conference were exhausted on the last day, the conference officially ended at 4:30 P.M. Peace Jammers boarded their buses with their Adult Advisors and Departed.
THE 13TH OF THE FEMINIST LECTURE SERIES
Gbowee Peace Foundation Africa hosted its 13th Edition of the Feminist Lecture Series, “HerStory,” on May 16th at Musu’s Spot. The program hosted four professional women alongside one of GPFA's promising high school female scholars who served as the program's panelists. The program's theme was “Intergenerational Leadership - a Conversation on the Leadership of Women and Girls.” This Edition of "HerStory" aims to foster an exchange of ideas and experiences that will empower and inspire current and future leadership styles and the contributions of Women & Girls in shaping a more inclusive and equitable society.
Madam Leymah R. Gbowee, 2011 Nobel Peace Laureate, served as the program's Moderator, questioning the four panelists. She was focused on discussing their experiences, aspirations, and how they overcame the threshold of life to succeed or exceed. The panelists include Dr. Romelle Horton, the current and first female president of Cuttington University, and Ms. Princess Blamoh, with two moderators, Ms. Facia Harris & Ms. Olivia Thomas, while Mrs. Cornelius Kruah Cooper and Atty. Moriah D.K. Yekulah served as the program respondent.
Moderator: Madam Leymah R. Gbowee, 2011 Nobel Peace Laureate, Founder & President, Gbowee Peace Foundation Africa
Introduction of the Moderator and Panelist by Ms. Melvina O. Bright, Administrative Director, Gbowee Peace Foundation Africa
13th Edition of the Feminist Lecture Series “HerStory” Panelist
Gbowee Peace Foundation Africa
Panelist - Dr. Romelle Horton - President, Cuttington University
Ms. Ethel Harris - GPFA Scholar, Vice President, Student Council Government, Cuttington Campus School
Panelist - Ms. Princess N. Blamoh - Sustainability & Program Manager, GPFA VTT Board Member
Panelist - Ms. Tevonne Dennis, Chief Financial Officer, Sharks Inc
Panelist - Ms. Vickjune E. Wutoh, Founder, Initiative For Youth Empowerment And Economic Development
THE 12TH EDITION OF THE FEMINIST LECTURE SERIES (HERSTORY)
Gbowee Peace Foundation Africa hosted its 12th Edition of the Feminist Lecture Series, “HerStory,” themed: “Voice, Vagina, Violence! Shut Up, Shut Out!”. This event discusses the current reality of women’s advocacy in Liberia and globally. The conversation was interrogated about shrinking space for advocacy and the silencing of women’s voices through cyberbullying and violence. Madam Leymah R. Gbowee, 2011 Nobel Peace Laureate, was the discussant along with two moderators, Ms. Facia Harris & Ms. Olivia Thomas, while Mrs. Cornelius Kruah Cooper and Atty. Moriah D.K. Yekulah served as the respondent of the program.
Discussant: Madam Leymah R. Gbowee
2011 Nobel Peace Laureate
Founder/President of Gbowee Peace Foundation Africa
The event served as a platform for critical dialogue and debate on the obstacles faced by women in raising their voices and advocating for gender equality and justice. Ms. Olivia Thomas also questioned Madam Gbowee about how she dealt with cyberbullying after questioning Her Excellency Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf's Administration while serving as a women's activist. Moreover, she gives exclusive insight into the repercussions she experienced from a Facebook post she mentioned about Ambassador Joseph N. Boakai to focus on his health and then the presidency of Liberia.
Ms. Olivia Thomas - Moderator
Ms. Facia Harris - Moderator
The conversation at the event delved into the shrinking space for advocacy and the silencing of women's voices through cyberbullying and violence. It highlighted how women are often marginalized and pushed out of meaningful discussions and decision-making processes.
One of our respondents “Mrs. Cornelius Kruah Cooper,” explained her experience with cyberbullying when campaigning for public office as a Unity Party District 13 Representative aspirant. However, Atty Moriah Yekulah was one of the females who managed her way out of cyberbullying, and her story was told. It sought to raise awareness about the importance of amplifying women's voices and supporting their efforts to effect positive change in their communities and societies.
The 12th Edition of the Feminist Lecture Series organized by the Gbowee Peace Foundation Africa program provided a space for reflection and action on today's challenges and opportunities for women's advocacy. It brought together activists, scholars, and community members to engage in meaningful discussions and explore strategies for overcoming barriers to women's empowerment and gender equality.
Atty. Moriah D.K. Yekulah - Respondent
Mrs. Cornelius Kruah Cooper - Respondent
You can view the full program” The 12th Edition of the Feminist Lecture Series” in the video link below
PEACEJAM - LIBERIA (PJLIB-2022)
4TH ANNUAL YOUTH LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
PEACEJAM LIBERIA 4TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE (PJLIB)
PeaceJam is one of Gbowee Peace Foundation Africa (GPFA) flagship program under transformative leadership Initiative(TLI) which was founded 1996 to support togetherness of youths from diverse backgrounds to inspire them using the life and success stories of the Noble Peace Prize winner. The PeaceJam Liberia hosted the fourth Annual Youth Leadership Conference to create young leaders committed to positive change in themselves, their communities, and the world through the inspiration of fourteen (14) Nobel Peace Laureates who passed on the spirit, skills and wisdom they embody.
The theme for the PJLIB 2022 is “Our Peace, Our Future, Our Legacy” which was held at the Baptist Theological Seminary, Paynesville, Montserrado County.
PEACEJAM - LIBERIA (PJLIB)
Conference Activities. - Power House Members Training
On December 1, 2022, training was conducted for Mentors, Mentor-volunteers, and Volunteers to provide information about their roles, duties, and functions at the conference. It was also a learning, networking, and brainstorming session for newly recruited volunteers and Powerhouse members in preparation for the conference. The training focused on the following major topics: GPFA Child Rights Policy, Overview of the History of Gbowee Peace Foundation Africa (GPFA) and PeaceJam Foundation. This training was facilitated by Mr Johnny Montgomery–Coordinator PeaceJam Liberia (PJLIB) and Mr David S. Konneh–Program Director of Gbowee Peace Foundation Africa (GPFA).
Day 1 – Friday, Pre- Arrival Preparation - December 2, 2022
Early Friday morning, the bus picked up mentors, mentor volunteers, and volunteers from major pick-up points to be dropped off at the Baptist Theological Seminary in Paynesville, Montserrado County. Members of the team arrived at the conference site by 11:00 a.m.
As part of plans to kick off the conference, Mentor-Lead David Karmo had a session with powerhouse members to inform them of activities leading to the implementation of service projects, the strategic roll map, and the scope of the entire conference. After the briefing session, Powerhouse members visited service project sites primarily to identify and assess proposed service project sites. Following a long day of work, powerhouse members gathered in the dinner Hall to have lunch at about 3:45 p.m…
Also, powerhouse members prepared to receive the first batch of jammers. The jammers arrived at the conference site at about 7:30 p.m. and were immediately served dinner.
Day Two – December 3, 2022 - Arrival
The third batch of daily participants from different schools in Montserrado County arrived at the conference by 8:15 a.m. They were received by powerhouse members/mentors and ushered into the auditorium, awaiting the official opening ceremony. They were later registered in the official registration log, and breakfast was served at 9:00 a.m.
Opening Ceremony
During the conference's opening ceremony, students paraded in their official school uniforms, holding onto their various school flags while simultaneously showcasing symbols of the seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The fifth annual youth conference keynote speaker, 2011 Nobel Peace Laureate Madam Leymah Gbowee, spoke on the topic “Our Peace, Our Future, Our Legacy.”
Meanwhile, twenty students demonstrated the essence of the Seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
This is to portray that every citizen, specifically youths, can bring these goals to reality by 2030. Our keynote speaker, Madam Leymah Gbowee, used the moment to showcase her support for the SDGs.
Two exceptionally brilliant students (Jack Karngbeae and Abraham Zwannah) were fortunate to receive a scholarship opportunity for the University (Stella Maris Polytechnic and Cuttington University) from Madam Leymah R. Gbowee, while others received cash prizes for academic performances.
Family Groups Session
There were twenty (20) established family groups with a total of two hundred thirty and four (234) students, comprising ninety-eight (98) males and one hundred and thirty-six (136) females. While in the different family groups, peace jammers learned the life journey of Nobel Peace Laureate Leymah Gbowee and her keynote address, as well as created family group norms and leadership.
Service Project
The Service Project, one of the essential parts of the PeaceJam Liberia Conference, was divided into eight groups ranging from A to H. Therefore, Peace Jammers went into communities and surrounding environments to implement selected service projects.
Group A: This group promoted sanitation, clean water action, and reduced marine pollution, elevating healthy life and emphasizing the importance of hygienic water for all. This group focused on plastic removal and cleaning the beaches along the shore of Soorya Beach.
Group D— Food production is vital for economic growth. Most countries don’t value the produce of their farmers because it can feed only their households. We taught the value of appreciating farmers for “Grow what you eat.” The significance of appreciating Liberian farmers is evident in cleaning farms at the Christian Association of the Blind (CAB).
Group F—Our young people, our future: preventing teenage pregnancy and school drop-out among children and adolescents. One-on-one interaction and sharing of flyers with VOA community residents.
Group H—Service to humanity is the way to go; maintaining a clean environment is essential. This group focused on cleaning the Baptist Theological Seminary's compound.
Group B - This group had an awareness of children’s rights and abuse at the VOA market. They were educating the people to end the misery, knowing their children’s rights, avoiding child abuse and trafficking - advancing women & children's rights.
Group C - They realized that economic empowerment is essential to people's livelihood, especially in communities in abject poverty. The team focused on celebrating true entrepreneurship in Liberia to alleviate the suffering of business-minded people living in extreme poverty—awareness of buyers' and sellers' relationships in the VOA market.
Group E - Making others happy, just as you have experienced; spending time in the Orphanage home and sharing love with the orphans. Interaction and sharing of experience with blind folks at the Christian Association of the Blind (CAB).
Group G - Social Responsibility is everyone’s business; the desire to help care for public property. Cutting grass and cleaning the facility of the Christian Association of the Blind.
Day Three (December 4, 2022)
Arrival/Breakfast
The daily participants returned for the third day of the conference. They arrived at the conference site by 7:30 AM and had breakfast at 8:15 a.m. Afterward, they proceeded to the hall for the ceremony of inspiration.
Ceremony of Inspiration
During the inspiration ceremony, the Noble Laureate Leymah R. Gbowee started by narrating a personal story. She emphasized perseverance, integrity, and determination. Madam Leymah R. Gbowee said, ''Everybody has a story, but their determination can shift that story; people naming us by our situation doesn’t matter, but what we answer matters.''. ''A few years from now, only educated people will survive in our land, Liberia. We should push ourselves so we will not be judged based on our silence''. She clarified that we only have power over ourselves and asked, “What are you going to do with the power you have?”
She closed the ceremony with a word of inspiration: “Never Give Up”. The sharing experience and candle moment with Madam Gbowee and the students were emotional and educative, there was so much admiration attracted, some stories brought sorrow, while others gave hope and strength. Madam Gbowee lights the big candle while praying for the young people of this land Liberia.
SCHOOL PRESENTATION
JOHN CHRISTIAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL SYSTEM
Service Project Tile: Controlling Environmental Waste
Project Description: Cleaning-up campaign, an educative forum on keeping the environment clean and safe
Recommendation: Let’s promote sustainable development goals in schools and communities to have a clean environment.
ISAAC A. DAVID MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL
Service Project Tile: Bullying in School
Project Description: Awareness of Bullying among peers
Recommendation: Anti-bullying clubs should be established in schools
D. TWE MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL
Service Project Tile: Stop Discrimination
Project Description: Awareness of Discrimination
Recommendation: PeaceJam Liberia Jammers should spread the message of ending Discrimination
WELTONA HIGH SCHOOL
Service Project Tile: Breaking the silence of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence
Project Description: Advocating to eradicate Sexual and Gender Base Violence
Recommendation: Proposal to strengthen the policy that concerns Sexual Gender Base Violence.
FORCE
Service Project Tile: Drugs Addiction
Project Description: A forum to educate students who are involved in Drugs Addiction
Recommendation: Proposed that the Gbowee Peace Foundation Africa build a rehabilitation center.
MUSLIM CONGRESS HIGH SCHOOL
Service Project Tile: Child Labor & Children’s rights
Project Description: Advocating against Child labor and Children’s rights.
Recommendation: Proposed that Gbowee Peace Foundation Africa strengthened the advocacy of children’s rights and Child labor in our society.
Workshop Briefing & Workshop
PeaceJammers were placed into 15 workshop groups with different topics and facilitators.
CLIMAX OF THE CONFERENCE
On the last day of the conference, after all the activities, the conference officially ended at 4:00 p.m., when Peace Jammers boarded the buses.
The 5th annual PeaceJam youth conference was successful at the Liberia Baptist Theological Seminary. During the conference, a series of activities were held to inspire, educate, and motivate Peace Jammers and mentors. This year, our very own 2011 Nobel Laureate, Leymah Gbowee, passed on the spirit of peace and hope to our Young people.
GPFA Welcome two Students Intern from Cornell University, New York, USA
The partnership between Gbowee Peace Foundation Africa and Cornell University began a new era in Africa's fight for peace, Education, Leadership, and Women's empowerment. Cornell transferred two interns to serve at the foundation during their summer vacation as part of the collaboration.
The interns, Kingsley O. Aaron Onuigbo and Jaliah C. Smith were eager to make a difference in the lives of the people they encountered in Liberia. They were passionate about women's empowerment(education) and social justice. They dedicated their academic careers to Cornell University, where Kingsley's interest lies in studying International Politics and Jaliah, focusing on Philosophy - feminism, Gender, and Sexuality Studies.
Upon arriving at the foundation, Kingsley and Jaliah were immediately impressed by the work being done by the staff and volunteers. Leymah Gbowee, the 2011 Nobel Peace laureate and Gbowee Peace Foundation Africa (GPFA), supports educational development, including the Leadership and Community Empowerment program. Moreover, it provides 360-degree academic scholarships with full tuition coverage, stipends, full healthcare, internship, and counseling services to women and children affected in conflict zones (war, natural disasters, victims of violence, or physically challenged individuals).
Kingsley and Jaliah quickly immersed themselves in the foundation's projects. They helped organize workshops on computer training programs and curriculum vitae dressing training and worked with local scholars on the scholars' enrichment program. They were humbled by the resilience and strength of the people they met and inspired by their commitment to building a better future for themselves and their communities.
Jaliah and Kingsley reflected on their time at the foundation as time passed. They will learn valuable lessons about the power of empathy, collaboration, and perseverance in the face of adversity. They knew their experience would stay with them forever, shaping their beliefs and actions for years.
FESTIVAL OF WOMEN 2023
BACKGROUND
Women play a vital role in African communities and societies. They often support their families through small-scale businesses and initiatives. In West Africa, women have been the driving force behind peace and security processes in recent years. Their contribution to the development of the region is immeasurable.
The Women of Liberia Mass Action for Peace Campaign is recognized for significantly contributing to Liberia's peaceful transition from war to peace. Even two decades after the end of the Liberia civil war (2003 – 2023), women continue to work tirelessly to sustain Liberia's hard-earned peace. Like most places worldwide, these women's contributions are underfunded, rarely recognized and never celebrated.
The Gbowee Peace Foundation Africa recognizes the significant roles of grassroots women in nurturing and sustaining societies. In line with this, they launched the Festival of Women (FOW), a space created to celebrate, empower, and motivate women to continue contributing to community and nation-building. The FOW is primarily designed for women to network, get inspired, and promote women's equal participation in all aspects of life,self-care, and sisterhood. It is a "woman-only" space, welcoming women from diverse generations and backgrounds.
SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES
Professional Liberian women with knowledge and expertise in the subject matter facilitate these interactive sessions, where questions and engagement are encouraged. At the end of the financial security workshop, women are given challenge grants to teach them to begin a culture of saving. During the festival, women received health checks, including blood pressure, sugar, and breast screening. They also enjoyed free manicures, shared meals, played games, and climaxed with dancing at the end of the day. After the event ends, the women in attendance are given gift bags. These bags contain bath soap, roll-on, perfume, sanitary pads, 2 yards of African print cloth each, and a Christmas ornament designed and handcrafted by GPFA staff.
Nobel Peace Laureate Leymah Gbowee Selected by Melinda French Gates to Distribute $20 Million for Women's Rights
Leymah Gbowee, Nobel Peace Laureate, has been selected by Melinda French Gates to receive a $20 million grantmaking fund to distribute to charitable organizations and grassroots leaders doing vital and groundbreaking work for women's health and well-being in the U.S. and worldwide.
The grant will provide Gbowee with flexible funding to give out to charitable organizations as part of a powerful shift in French Gates’ global grantmaking. With this announcement, French Gates aims to open the sphere of philanthropic grantmaking and expand the reach of key perspectives by extending who gets to be decision-makers in philanthropic grantmaking to advance women's rights around the globe.
“I’m pursuing new approaches to help broaden the circle of decision-makers in philanthropy,” says French Gates. “I recently offered 12 global leaders their own $20 million grant-making funds to distribute to charitable organizations they consider to be doing urgent, impactful, and innovative work to improve women’s health and well-being in the U.S. and around the world.”
As one of the twelve global leaders whose work French Gates admires, Gbowee joins other notable recipients including former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, filmmaker Ava DuVernay, Olympic athlete and Black maternal health advocate Allyson Felix, and Afghan girls' education champion Shabana Basij-Rasikh, among others.
Gbowee a renowned peace activist, trained social worker, and women's rights advocate, says, “This is a wonderful chance to supercharge important work being championed by grassroots organizations advancing women’s health and well-being around the globe. I have seen first-hand the impact we can have by investing in the voices, leadership and movement-building capacity of women. I am honored that Melinda invited me to partner with her in this way and stand ready to see the good we can, and must, do in these urgent times.”
As part of her announcement on May 28, French Gates stated that as the first step in the next chapter of her philanthropy, she is committing 1 billion dollars of additional funding through 2026 to advance women’s power globally. This commitment will include:
Grants aimed at supercharging the work of organizations that are fighting in the U.S. to advance women’s power and protect their rights, including reproductive freedom.
Partnering with a diverse group of global leaders who will each be provided with a $20 million fund to distribute to charitable organizations doing urgent, impactful, and innovative work to improve women’s health and well-being in the US and around the world.
An open call, launching later this fall, to identify and fund organizations working to improve women’s mental and physical health worldwide.
Bio: Leymah Gbowee is a peace activist, trained social worker, and women’s rights advocate who brought together Christian and Muslim women in a nonviolent movement that played a pivotal role in ending Liberia’s civil war. She is the founder and president of the Gbowee Peace Foundation Africa and executive director of the Institute on Gender, Law, and Transformative Peace.
EMPOWER TO INSPIRE
We are dedicated to shaping a world that welcomes the full participation of women and girls in their communities. Join us in supporting the next generation of Liberian peacemakers and democracy builders.
WALK A MILE IN HER SHOES INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY (IWD)
Driving Innovations through Community Empowerment(DICE) program and in commemoration of International Women's Day (IWD) 2023, GPFA hosted a solidarity men's march titled "Walk a Mile in Her Shoes" (WAMIHS). This campaign aimed to raise awareness about gender-based violence and other issues affecting women. Male participants were required to carry 2kg bags labeled with inscriptions such as RAPE, Female Genital Mutilation, Sex for Grades, Femicide, Domestic Violence, Unsafe Abortion, Labor Pain, and Sexual Assault.
The solidarity IWD WAMIHS march was held on March 4, 2023, from Era Supermarket to Musu's Spot at about 7:00 am. Participants arrived between 6:00 am -7:10 am, got registered by our event volunteers, and (male participants) picked the labeled bags they wanted to carry. We had more than three hundred participants from different walks of life; lawmakers, visual artists, musicians, policymakers, businessmen/women, educators, students, etc. Some participants chose to carry their bags on their backs with support from Ankara cloths (Lappa) that women usually use to piggyback babies. In contrast, others decided to take them in their hands. Our volunteers were assigned to their different locations. The march started at about 7:15 am from ERA, with our male participants carrying their labeled bags while the women walked beside them.
Dixon Yiadom - “The Duo”, spoke in the video above at the “WALK a MILE IN HER SHOES - IWD program
The Feminist Policy Lab - Cohort 1 2022/2023
Young Emerging Female Feminist Policymaker Leaders
The Feminist Policy Lab’s objective is to empower and equip the next generation of emerging feminists with the necessary skills to excel as gender policy researchers. The ultimate vision of the Feminist Policy Lab is to influence the Liberian Government’s agenda on all issues related to women’s rights and gender equality. The program will provide an enabling environment to foster development and growth through intensive feminist research training for young women. It is designed to work with community-based, grassroots women-led organizations and young emerging feminists to build their capacity to influence the Liberian Government’s agenda on all issues related to women’s rights and gender equality.
Group 1 - Research Team
“The Luxury of Maternal Healthcare: Liberia's Hospitals are New Mother's Prison”
Majorie N. Wright
Feminist - Bachelor degree in Biology
Nusone E. Perkins
Feminist- BA in International Business & Trade
Rammie P. Klah
Feminist - Bachelor degree in Biology
Doreen A. O'diaji
Feminist - Bachelor Degree in International Relations
Group 2 - Research Team
“Prison Reform for Women”
Courage N. Wilson
Feminist - Bachelor’s Degree in Biology
Abigail A.A. Dorbor
Feminist - Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology
Saraphen B. Dahn
Feminist - Bachelor’s Degree in Biology
Prospective graduate - Master of Public Health
Laura Kolaker
Feminist - Bachelor’s Degree in Biology
Group 3 - Research Team
“Sexual Harassment in the Education System”
Blessing M. Collins
Feminist - Bachelor in Economics
Jennifer Scott
Feminist - Bachelor in Social Work, Bachelor in Civil Engineering
Rochelle M. Richards
Feminist- Bachelor in Mass Communications
Willet Z. Gaye
Feminist - Bachelor degree in Environmental Science
GPFA SCHOLARSHIP GRADUATES 2023
GPFA SCHOLARSHIP GRADUATES
AT CUTTINGTON UNIVERSITY
Saviour C. Suah
Saviour received the GPFA scholarship in 2021, when she struggled to continue her studies. Now, she has proven her assiduousness after two years and graduated with honor (cum laude) accumulating a 3.32 GPA Bachelor of Science in Biology. Saviour was a great asset to GPFA Cuttington Campus School where she assisted young GPFA high and elementary school students with their studies. Her aspiration is to become a Medical doctor and has already anticipated the A.M. Dogliotti Medical School examination. She is currently serving as a volunteer to the Foundation rendering her service and support to others.
Viola Kermue
Viola served as the GPFA scholars president during her last year a Cuttington University. She is a residence of Bong County. She graduated with a 3.18 GPA with a bachelor of Science in Plant & Soil Science.
Andrew Kerkula
Andrew is a graduate of the college of Business. He graduated from with a first class honor (Summa Cum laude) accumulating a 3.84 GPA in Business Management. He was the valedictorian of his College and has inspire several students through his footstep.
Reuben Rambo
Reuben received the GPFA scholarship as the TPG fellows. He rendered his service as a PeaceJam Mentor to support students in different high Schools.
He graduated with a bachelor of science in Environmental Science. He look forward to extend his knowledge in Climate change as a specialist.
GPFA SCHOLARSHIP GRADUATES
AT STELLA MARIS POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY
HELENA A. SAYOU
Helena graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering
ERNEST K. BROWNE
Ernest was one of the July 2022 scholarship applicant that was accepted. He was a senior student studying civil engineering and couldn’t afford to finish his studies. During this time at GPFA, he served the PeaceJam as volunteer. He worked as an intern for Bureau of Maritime where receive a job after graduation. He graduated with 3.37 GPA Bachelor degree in Civil Engineering.
Rachel Kaba
She graduated from the Mother Pattern college with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology
WROCHELLE C. COOPER
She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering with a Cummulative GPA of 3.35. She currently work with Road Safety Action International as the Deputy Director on Road Safety Awareness and Education.
Abraham Kromah
Abraham applied for GPFA scholarship online in July 2022, when he had difficulties to complete his studies at Stella Maris Polytechnic University. He was scrutinized like every applicant but manage to excel among others. Now, he has graduated with an Associate Degree in Structural Engineering.
GPFA SCHOLARSHIP GRADUATES
AT AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL UNIVERSITY
Williete T.B. Teekay
Bachelor of Business Administration in Management from the African Methodist Episcopal University
GPFA SCHOLARSHIP GRADUATE
AT BLUECREST UNIVERSITY
Eve Lorto Blackie
Bachelor of Science in Information Technology from the Bluecrest University
FESTIVAL OF WOMEN -BREAKFAST “WALK N TALK” (BWT) 2022/2023
INTRODUCTION
The Festival of Women "Breakfast Walk and Talk (BTW)" is part of the GPFA flagship program called Driving Innovation through Community Empowerment (DICE). BTW is a space created for women/girls to have an intellectual discussion about societal problems affecting them. It also finds a solution to the difficulties, struggles, experiences, and complications they encounter within our society.
However, GPFA targeted to impact 100 women within Montserrado County and received over 250 women participants held on Saturday, January 7, 2023, at the GPFA peace Hub, Domah's town, Schiefflin Township, Margibi County. These women learned about their unanswered questions, shared stories and experiences, and understood the differences and challenges women/girls encounter in our natural world. Some participants involved were the Army wives of AFL, Domah's town community's women, GPFA peace brigades, women advocates, GPFA scholar's mothers, youth, students, etc.
The theme of the program was "Our Space, Our Strength." The program had six sessions that contributed to the plan of life value. They include Financial Security, "Your Health, Your Wealth," Be Youtiful-Selfcare; A Journey of Faith-Your Walk with Christ; Building Your Business and Settling Goals-Making plans to Succeed. These six groups highlighted women's needs and want; livelihood goals to succeed; career path out of failure; financial skill capacity building skills, understanding the virtue of health and youthfulness, and other untold circumstances.
1.0 FINANCIAL SECURITY
Mrs. Abigail Urey-Miller taught participants some money-managing techniques and skills. This session taught them the importance of saving, setting financial goals, and profiting from your investment with planning. GPFA concluded by distributing piggy banks (cash boxes) valued at $LD 500.00 to encourage saving.
2.0 YOUR HEALTH, YOUR WEALTH
Dr. Rose Jallah- Macauley, talked about the importance of health and the misconception of illnesses for self-medication, modern medical treatment, and traditional medication. However, the discussion transcended to mental well-being and psychosocial health as a threat to our youth today. Moreover, discussing eating healthy and exercising is essential to nurture our physical health and avoid obesity. The session concluded with a conversation about the misconceptions about some illnesses.
3.0 SETTING GOALS - MAKING PLANS TO SUCCEED
Setting Goals- Making Plans to Succeed: Ms. Sarah Buchanan ( Executive Director, Orange Liberia, and GPFA Board member) discussed the various approaches to livelihood plans, writing & prioritizing your goals, and making sacrifices today for a better tomorrow. The session ended with participants listing their dreams on a vision paper exercise and noting how to achieve them.
4.0 BUILDING YOUR BUSINESS
Building your Business - Mrs. Eyvonne Bright Harding (Owner of Sharks. Inc) has been a very successful businesswoman over the past 20 years. She is an expert in Business growth and development. She expounds on techniques for growing from a small business to its full potential, establishing partnerships, and delegating tasks that will work without business owners.
5.0 A JOURNEY OF FAITH
Lady Della Belleh's session focused on the essence of walking with God. She encouraged our participants to have a relationship with God and to acknowledge him through everything.
6.0 BE YOUTI-FUL, SELFCARE
Mrs. Clara Doe-Mvogo ( former City Mayor of Monrovia) discussed the importance of self-care. She spoke of the different ways of catering to one's self. She taught the participants about the relationship between the mind and the body and how they complement each other. They also shared experiences about their livelihood, families, and bodies and how they overlooked themselves affects their standard as a woman. The workshop concluded with the women affirming themselves and each other with some values demonstrating their specialty.
SIXTEEN DAYS OF ACTIVISM
BACKGROUND
The Sixteen Days of Activism Against Sexual and Gender-based Violence is an annual international campaign that begins November 25 and ends December 10. The campaign calls for the PREVENTION and ELIMINATION of violence against women and girls.
Through community-based awareness and sensitization activities, 100 of GPFA’s Bong County-based students facilitated and implemented the 16-days campaign. The target demographic of the campaign were the men of Bong County. During the campaign, students and community animators engaged in discourse and training activities with men to educate and ward against perpetuating violence against women in their communities.
OBJECTIVES
The 16 Days of Activism in Bong County
Create awareness amongst community members on the effects and impact of femicide on the family unit.
Build stronger solidarity and allyship among women and men in Bong County.
Educate community on laws and policies protecting women’s rights.
PEACE THROUGH FAIR PLAY (PTFP) 7TH ANNUAL YOUTH CAMP
PEACE THROUGH FAIR PLAY (PTFP)
Executive Summary
The catalyst beyond the establishment of the Peace Through Fair Play (PTFP) started with an observation among young people in which GPFA identified that although many claim young people are the future of Liberia, they are often neglected. The majority never get the chance to have the space, knowledge, and support they need to become the leaders they ought to be. Therefore, GPFA designed a project under its Transformation Leadership Initiative to target young people from ten to sixteen years of age.
The first annual PTFP youth camp was held in 2013 in Careysburg, Montserrado County. Since then, several other PTFP Youth Camps have been held in various counties for kids from Nimba-Grand Gedeh, Bomi-Grand Cape Mount, Rivercess-Grand Bassa, and Margibi. This year (2022) is the 7th Annual Peace Through Fair Play, as Covid-19 prevented us from hosting camp for two years. The camp's goal is to promote respect, integrity, and accountability to foster peace and reconciliation among youths in Liberia. Before hosting each camp, GPFA hosts a one-day Volunteers training to empower volunteers with knowledge on child protection to guide them to serve as better caregivers to the campers to achieve the camp's goals.
PTFP is a human capacity-building initiative designed to equip the future leaders of Liberia by positively changing their mindsets, thus creating a change in behavior in which they can see themselves as possible change leaders and members of a community that needs the cooperation of everyone to succeed. By targeting the young minds of these youth, the 7th Annual PTFP facilitates topics surrounding Conflict and Peace, Civic Education, Morals, and Ethics, among others. Understanding these topics help young people prepare for, create and design the future they desire and contribute to the development of their communities and society.
Introduction
Gbowee Peace Foundation Africa hosted its seventh annual Peace Through Fair Play Youth Camp from August 7-12, 2022, with fifty (50) campers of diverse backgrounds between ages 10-16 years participating. They were selected regardless of their religion, financial status, and capabilities.
The 7th Annual Peace Through Fair Play was held under the theme: "Inspiring the Future Leaders." The camp's goal is to promote respect, integrity, and accountability to foster peace and reconciliation among youths in Liberia. This goal was carefully managed and achieved by professional facilitators with limitless experiences and vast knowledge about the topics presented to the campers, coupled with the efforts of the volunteers.
GPFA staff, including the camp Co-coordinators and Camp Director (GPFA's Founder and President, 2011 Nobel Peace Laureate Madam Leymah R. Gbowee), gave out tons of motivation and inspiration during the camp. The 7th Annual PTFP Youth Camp was well spent, leaving all participants with a lifetime experience.
1.0 Six Days Of Transforming the Lives of Youth in Margibi
Gbowee Peace Foundation Africa hosted its Peace Through Fair Play Youth Camp for six days. Fifty (50) campers from Margibi were thrilled by their different engagements.
PEACE THROUGH FAIR PLAY TEAMS
TEAM BLUE
Team Blue had brainiacs that could redefine thoughts and surprises, but they were doomed due to their lack of confidence. They were the first runner-up in the PTFP youth camp.
TEAM BROWN
Team Brown - is one of the most fantastic teams at the camp. They had almost everything; the most active and eloquent speakers, dancers, and a visually impaired member that could spell any word in the spelling bees competition. There were so many people mesmerized by the duo dancers of the Brownies.
THE VOLUNTEERS
The Volunteers are GPFA current and former/graduate scholars and staff. They served in many capacities as Medical practitioners, caregivers, teachers, guardians, and parents of the kids.
TEAM YELLOW
Team Yellow - This team had characters of all dimensions, including the best singer who was visually impaired, a historian, a journalist, a dancer, and the most caring person at the Camp that won the prize as the Peace Ambassador (John Blamo).
TEAM ORANGE
Team Orange are winners of the PTFP youth Camp 2022. They amplified their voices through the unity of their team which every member served in a different capacity.
TEAM GREEN
Team Green - They triumphed despite comprising of two deaf campers and one visually impaired camper. They manage the euphoria of their team, conquering many games beyond their reach.
1.1 FIRST DAY - YOUR HELLO
On the morning of the first day (August 7, 2022), GPFA staff and volunteers arrived in Kakata City, Margibi County, ahead of the campers to begin preparation, such as the packaging of the camp's materials and items for the campers. This was followed by the arrival of campers in the afternoon, the signing of the parental/guardian consent forms, and each child's registration. Care packages were distributed, colors picked for teams' formation (Orange, Blue, Green, Brown, and Yellow), and rooms were assigned for the campers to settle down.
The Team democracy was next, involving all the groups selecting and forming their line of government and leadership. The official opening of the camp was marked with welcome remarks by Ms. Melvina O. Bright, the Administrative Director. She encouraged the campers to make their best opportunity at the center and its activities which will impact their lives. The 2022 PTFP camp Co-coordinators, Ms. Julian J. Nelson and Mr. Johnny S. Montgomery, did the overview. Ms. Nelson educated campers about what PTFP means, what it stands for, and what they should expect from it as students. Mr. Montgomery and the volunteers coordinated the Team Building aspect of the camp, setting up leadership within each team through a democratic process.
The next session started with Ms. Vaiba Flomo of the Women of Liberia Mass Action for Peace, who presented on the topic: "Understanding Conflict." She spoke on identifying common conflicts in the home, family, community, and school. She highlighted the causes, effects, and solutions of conflict. The 2011 Nobel Peace Laureate Leymah Gbowee climaxed the first day's camp activities. She excitedly appreciated the campers and conducted a 10-minute spelling bee that awarded Team Blue a cash prize, thus making them the first team to win an award at the camp.
2.0 SECOND DAY - PEACE BUILDING
The second day (August 8, 2022) began with the early morning "Rise and Shine" competition, with Teams Orange and Green winning the first and second prizes, respectively. The Camp Director, Leymah Gbowee, taught the campers a new song, "I Have a New Life." There were three sessions, Moral and Ethics, Non–Violence and Peace and Religious Tolerance, facilitated by Messrs. Captan, Varpilah, and Imam Passewe, respectively.
Moral and Ethics: The facilitator emphasized Respect, Competence, and Integrity/Honesty.
Non–Violence and Better Peace – The facilitator defined Violence as the absence of peace. He further stated that to become peaceful, one must choose to be at peace with himself first and the community at large.
Religious Tolerance: The facilitator emphasized that respecting others' choice of worship is paramount in achieving religious stability. He concluded his presentation by saying that a heart of acceptance and respect is what all need.
Climaxing the day was a screening of the movie titled, "Homeless to Harvard ." A movie daring campers to dream big and never allow life's circumstances to hinder their journey toward change and progress. Most importantly, the film implies that change itself is a choice and a decision anyone who desires to leave a mark must take at the appropriate time.
3.0 THIRD DAY - OUR VOICES
Team Brown won the “Rise and Shine” competition. The sessions for the third day (August 9, 2022) focused on Civic Education, Social Justice and Advocacy, Peer Pressure, and Drug addiction. These topics were designed to help campers learn about their country’s history, rights and duties as citizens, justice, and the causes, effects, and prevention of peer pressure and drug addiction. Like many previous sessions, campers highly engaged in these sessions as they revolved around teens and were familiar with their everyday lives. A brief visit was made to the City Mayor of Kakata.
He encouraged the campers that being selected for such an experience should stand out as the best. After visiting the community and making brief stops to some stakeholders of the county, the campers retired to camp to have lunch with the Traditional Council representative, who later held a session on the importance of their culture and traditions. Games and getting to know each other better followed, and a movie night showing ‘Lean on Me’ climaxed day three.
4.0 FOURTH DAY - OUR COMMUNITY
The fourth day (August 10, 2022) began with “Rise and Shine,” with five joint winners, followed by devotion led by Team Brown. Team Orange led a recap of the previous days’ activities.
Next was a visit to the Peter Sayklon Orphanage Home and Farm located at upper Margibi, Bong Mines Road. The objective was for the campers to socialize with the orphans and carry out a service project on the farm by plowing the farmland by weeding. The proprietress Martha T. W. Sayklon, the staff, and the children held an indoor program. Mother Sayklon facilitated a session on the importance of knowing what you eat and how to take care of your garden or farmland.
The next visit was a visit with Former Senator Oscar Cooper. He encouraged the campers to stay focused on their education and use the opportunity the Gbowee Foundation gave. At his school, the campers met with his team of teachers, who held a quizzing session on phonics and current events. They later played basketball at Senator Cooper’s residence. A night of Talent Show climaxed on Day four (4), where campers showed off their God-given talents of rap, dances, acting, and singing during this informal period.
5.0 FIFTH DAY - OUR GOVERNMENT
The fifth day (August 11, 2022) began with breakfast and the entire team boarding two buses for a trip of about 45 miles from Kakata to Monrovia. Upon arrival at the Capitol, the campers were led on a tour of the Capitol Building by the Program Manager, Mr. David Konneh, as the lawmakers were on their Constituency Break.
Later they went to meet the Chief Justice, where his Administrative Assistant briefly gave an overview of the procedures and operations of the Judiciary Branch of Government. The arrival of Chief Justice Francis S. Korkpor, Sr. was announced as he entered the Supreme Court of the Republic of Liberia as everyone stood. Madam Leymah R. Gbowee made an opening statement highlighting the visit's objectives, which has been a PTFP tradition for the past six (6) years. Chief Justice Korkpor welcomed everyone and enlightened the campers on how he became Chief Justice and the roles and responsibilities of other Justices of the Supreme Court.
Next, he held an intense session of questions and answers with both campers and volunteers, which he answered. One camper with a disability asked, "why is it that people with disability are not treated equally under the law, or is the law only meant for people who can hear, talk, see, or walk?"
The campers boarded the bus and departed the Supreme Court for Sharks Entertainment Center on Airfield, Sinkor, to have lunch with GPFA’s Board of Trustees members. They sat in teams to share their experiences of their visits to the Capitol Building and the Supreme Court through a time of quizzing facilitated by Madam Gbowee. After a scrumptious meal, the campers were ushered on the bus to Kakata. Back in Kakata, the campers visited Senator Cooper’s farm and had much fun. The day climaxed at the Kem’s Guest House with a talent show among themselves.
6.0 DAY SIX - YOUR FUTURE
The final day of camp (August 12, 2022) started with devotion and breakfast. Two sessions were facilitated by Mrs. Monjay George Pratt, who talked about “Choosing Career,” and Dr. Patience Dobson Barcon, who discussed “Personal Hygiene.”
After these sessions, everyone gathered outside for the closing program. Each camper was presented two pictures in frames; one with their group members and the other a historic group picture with Chief Justice Francis S. Korkpor, Sr., who was expected to retire in a few weeks. Each received a book bag and cash prize money for participating in competitions.
Team Brown members carried the highest amount, equivalent to US$13.30 each. Team Blue (US$12) each, Orange and Green (US$11.30), and Yellow (US$8.00) each.
The Peace Ambassador for the 7th PTFP camp, John Blamo, from Team yellow, received a one-year scholarship from GPFA, a cash prize of (US$150.00) and the opportunity to sponsor any project he decides to do in his community. Korpo Flomo won the best volunteer award chosen by the campers.
The 11th Edition of Feminist Lecture Series “HERSTORY”
The Feminist Lecture Series "HerStory" is a Gbowee Peace Foundation Africa event that creates an intellectual environment for women and men to discuss issues affecting society's peace and security. It creates a platform that tells stories of how politics and injustice disrupt women's tranquility from their experiences throughout the series. Many issues threaten women's peace and security in various communities and nations.
However, the rationale is to break the silence and psychological barriers such as lack of confidence, fear of rejection, and open misogyny in a male-dominated environment that suppresses women instead of showcasing their gifts and talent.
The forum aims to stimulate women's intellectual growth and capacity to be socially and politically active in society. It also enhances women's leadership capacity to advocate for all forms of violence against women and create an environment where women, men, and youth can dialogue on policies and support issues of gender concerns. The 11th edition of the Feminist Lecture Series - "HerStory" features current and former women Representatives and Senators aspirants discussing the dynamics of women and politics.
Madam Leymah Roberta Gbowee - On July 8, Madam Gbowee moderated the 11th edition of the Feminist Lecture Series “HerStory” alongside five(5) women panelist. Some of these panelists were political aspirants, current senators and representatives. They had an intellectual forum about the dynamics of women and politics.
Feminist Lecture Series Panelists
The 11th edition of the FLS-HerStory panelists include: Honorable Senator Botoe Kanneh of Gbarpolu County on the left end, Honorable Representative Maimo Briggs-Mensah of District #6, Bong County on the mid-left, Senatorial Aspirant Dabah Varpilah on the mid-right and representative aspirant Kula Fofana of Grand Cape Mount County on the right end.
Hon. Senator Botoe Kanneh of Gbarpolu County, Liberia
She won the 2020 senatorial election against Senator Armah Z. Jallah of Gbarpolu County. At the Feminist Lecture Series, Several questions were asked about how she stood to conquer her predecessor Senator Armah Z. Jallah. Hon. Kanneh was a marketer who sold dry meat for a living. Her humanitarian and cordial relationship to identify the needs of people gave her a seat in the Senate.
Hon. Moima Briggs-Mensah, Rep #6, Bong Co. Liberia
Representative Mensah is a vocal Female Liberian politician who ascended as a Representative of District #6, Bong County 2013, and has contributed many humanitarian services to less fortunate people in Bong County, specifically Salala district. She has, for the past two years, won several accolades in political leadership, including the Golden Image Award – Rural Development 2019, National Event Planners Awards- Best Female Lawmaker of the Year 2019, Corruption Watch- tough-talking Female Lawmaker of the Year 2019.
Mrs. Dabah Varpilah, Former/Aspirant Senatorial Candidate, Grand Cape Mount County, Liberia
Mrs. Varpilah participated in the 2018 election as a Grand Cape Mount County Senator. She is currently an exciting candidate for the Senatorial post at Grand Cape Mount County. She said that if she wants to be recognized for her services, she would prefer “Honesty” as a recognition.
Ms. Kula Fofana, Former Senatorial and Current Representative Candidate, Grand Cape Mount County, Liberia
She is the Assistant Dean of Student Affairs at David A. Straz Technical and Vocational College of the University of Liberia and a student of the Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law. She served as the former assistant Minister of Youth Development at the Ministry of Youth & Sport, Co-Chaired Liberia’s Vision 2030, and headed the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MGCSP) Adolescent Girls Division. She contested for the 2019/2020 Senatorial by-Election and lost to Hon. Victor Varney Waston
Several guests were in attendance, including the UN Women country representative -Madam Comfort Lamptey, Ambassador Kate O'Donnell - Chargé d'Affaires, Embassy of Ireland, Madam Olubanke King Akerele -former Foreign Minister during the former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf's administration. Also in attendance was Madam Elizabeth Lwanga King, the Ugandan and UN diplomat who played an essential role in bringing peace to Sierra Leone, and Madam Frances Johnson-Morris, a chairperson of the Liberian National Election Commission (NEC) in 2005.
Comfort Lamptey - UN Women Country Rep.
Comfort Lamptey served as Senior Gender Adviser to the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) and principal adviser on gender issues to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General. Before joining UNMIL, she served as a Gender Advisor to the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) in 2004. She has also worked at the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) as a Regional Adviser to West Africa and Senior Gender adviser at the Headquarters in Geneva.
Maureen Sieh - Journalist
She was the first Liberian journalist to travel to the battlefront and neighboring Ivory Coast and Guinea, where thousands of Liberians had sought refuge.
LIVESTREAM VIDEO FOR THE 11TH EDITION OF THE FEMINIST LECTURE SERIES “HERSTORY”.
Priscilla Abram Cooper - She is a representative aspirant for district #5, Montserrado County, and contesting for the seat of Hon. Thomas Fallah.
Elizabeth Lwanga King - UN Diplomat
She is a Ugandan and UN diplomat that played a vital role in bringing peace to Sierra Leone. The UN Diplomat, Madam Elizabeth Lwanga King, provided her diplomatic skills to get the belligerents to the negotiating table, culminating in the Abidjan Peace Accord in 1996.
Madam Frances Johnson- Morris
Madam Frances Johnson-Morris was the chairperson of the Liberian National Election Commission (NEC) in 2005, supervising the election that produced the first democratically elected female President of Liberia and Africa, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. She was also the chairwoman of the Liberian anti-Anti-Corruption Commission and a professional Lawyer.
GPFA Graduates for the Academic Year 2021-2022
The GPFA scholarship proudly announces that fourteen students have achieved their dream by acquiring degrees. Over the past years, many began their studies on the scholarship as first-year students. Others receive the scholarship at different statuses. Academically, many of our scholars proudly graduated with Bachelor's honorary degree, and the highest of these honors was a "Salutatorian" -Tabitha D. Robert graduated with a Summa Cum laude 3.83 GPA in International Relations from Cuttington University. Doreen A. Odiaja came second in Ranking, having a Magma Cum laude with a 3.68 GPA in International Relations from Cuttington University. Emmanuel Blemmie graduated with an honor of Magma Cum laude 3.51 GPA in Chemistry from the University of Liberia. Other scholars that received Cum Lauda include Sarah Sumo, with a 3.55 GPA in Biology from the Adventist University of West Africa, and Beulah Nimene, with a 3.33 GPA in Economics from Cuttington University. Other specialized scholars include Patience Dobson that graduated from A.M. Dogliotti School of Health Sciences & Life Science with a Medical Degree in General Medicine.
Cuttington University 60th Commencement - On June 17, 2022, Nine GPFA students earned university degrees, and one was honored as the Salutatorian.
Blessing Collins - BSc in Economics, 3.15 GPA
Blessing Collins was awarded GPFA's scholarship in 2019 to continue her studies at Cuttington University. She graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Economics. Blessing's dream is to redesign Liberian Businesses with innovative entrepreneurship concepts that will enable Economic growth within the various business industries. She realized many Liberians are interested in business but are marketing the same products/services. In Time, the success rate of those businesses will diminish due to Liberia's low population. She believes entrepreneurship innovation and training will help rediscover other profitable unnoticed businesses and improve the economy of Liberia.
Celebrating Excellence - Cuttington University Class of 2021/ 2022, "Salutatorian" -Tabitha D. Robert graduated with a Summa Cum laude 3.83 GPA in International Relations from Cuttington University
Tabitha D. Roberts
Tabitha is the Salutatorian of Cuttington University Class of 2022/ 2023 with a 3.83 GPA. Currently, Tabitha is a student at the Gabriel L. Dennis Foreign Service Institute.
Beulah Nimene
Bachelor Degree in Economics with Honors - Cum laude 3.33 GPA
Klubo Clinton
Bachelor of Science in Agriculture with speciality in Natural Resource Management.
Alicia D. Nyanti
Alicia D. Nyanti, a BSC in Biology & Chemistry.
Sarah Sumo
She was awarded Bachelor of science in Public Health with honor achieving a Cum laude 3.55 GPA from the Adventist University of West Africa.
Emmanuel Blemie
He celebrated a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with an emphasis in health science. He achieved his degree with great distinction earning an honor, Magma cum laude 3.51 GPA from the University of Liberia.
Dr. Patience Dobson Barcon
GPFA first scholar to graduate as a medical doctor. Dr. Patience Dobson Barcon graduated from the A.M. Dogliotti College of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liberia as a medical doctor on March 21, 2022, with a MD degree in General Medicine.
Claudius J. Tormu
He graduated as the Valedictorian of BlueCrest University College with a GPA of 3.98 Bachelor of Science degree in Information & Technology
Wilnet S. Z. Gaye - Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science at Stella Maris Polytechnic University.
Join us to congratulate our distinguished graduates 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
Korpo Flomo
BSC in Agriculture with speciality in Natural Resource Management.
Laura Kolaker
She received a Bachelor of Science in Biology with emphasis in Chemistry achieving a 3.27 GPA at the Cuttington University.
Avero S. King
Avero graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Information and Technology from Starz University. He is now paying off his serving as an IT Intern for GPFA.
Doreen A. Odiaji
She was awarded Bachelor's in International Relations with honor receiving a Magma Cum Laude 3.68 GPA. Doreen has participated in a series of leadership opportunities that fuel her passion to give back to charity through shoe provision campaign for kids in Bong County.
Maryann Jensen
She achieved her Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from African Methodist Episcopal University. She is motivated to be a future Central Bank Governor of Liberia.
Assatu S. Kaya
Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering - 3.65 GPA. She is GPFA first female Electrical Engineer. With her excellent performance at Stella Maris Polytechnic University, She also graduated with Honor enlightening the way for others.
7 of GPFA’s Students Earn Bachelor Degrees from Cuttington University.
Celebrating Excellence
March 13th, 2021 marked the first time 7 of GPFA’s students earned university degrees all at once.
Austin Baryo
For the first time also, we graduated our first Visually Impaired student - Austine Baryo earned a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement with honors.
Marianne Rennie,
BSC in Natural Resource Management.
Stiffinnie Saunders
BSC in Accounting with Honors.
Courage Wilson
Bachelor’s of Science in Biology
Nancy Tulay, a BSC in Biology & Chemistry with Honors.
Family, we can’t overstate our joy and pride in all the graduates mentioned above. They inspire us to continue the work we do- providing outstanding education to Liberian women and youth.
Join us to congratulate our seven distinguished graduates
Jenneh S. Berry
BSC in Accounting
Josephine Gekepelee, a BSC in Public Administration with Honors.
International Women’s Day - Celebrating Women in Peace & Justice in Liberia.
In observance of International Women’s Day, on March 8, 2021, hosted an honoring program under the theme, “Celebrating Women in Peace & Justice in Liberia.” The program was attended by former President, Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Deputy Speaker, Mr. Fonati Koffa, Senator Nyonblee Karnga-Lawerence, the Female Legislative Caucus Liberia, Swedish Ambassador Ingrid Wetterqvist, and members of the Diplomatic Call
One of the goals of the program was to h
onor 300 women and several organizations from the Women of Liberia Mass Action for Peace Campaign who fought in the trenches for peace.
Accordingly, we unveiled the “Wall of Peace” that symbolically contains names of women and organizations from the Liberia Mass Action for Peace Campaign.
Wall of Peace
Before the unveiling of the “Wall of Peace,” Madam Gbowee announced the creation of the Veteran Women’s Peace Fund with the goal to provide financial aid to members of the Women of Liberia Mass Action for Peace Campaign in the event of sickness and death.
Veteran Women’s Peace Fund
“The fund will cater to the needs of the women who fought in the trenches for Liberia’s peace” Madam Leymah Gbowee
We climaxed the event with the unveiling of Madam Sugars Cooper’s portrait. Madam Coopers is a longstanding mentor of Madam Gbowee and in her words, “my early journey as a peace activist would not have been possible with the mentorship of my dear Etweda Sugars Cooper.”
Unveiling of Sugars’ Portrait
Join the Dollar for Peace Campaign
On February 1st, 2021, which was also Madam Leymah Gbowee's birthday, we launched the Dollar For Peace Campaign, intending to reach one million people and raise $1 million for education and peacebuilding in Liberia!
The campaign also celebrates ten years since Madam Gbowee won the Nobel Peace Prize. After winning the prize, she established Gbowee Peace Foundation Africa (GPFA), an institution created to provide African youths educational and leadership opportunities.
Since GPFA’s inception in 2012, we have provided full scholarships to over 700 Liberian youths. Over 5,000 youths have benefitted from the foundation's various programs and projects (e.g., Peace Through Fair Play Camp, Peace Jam Youth Leadership Initiative, Health and Rights Initiative, Book Bag Drive, etc.).
“On this journey, I continue to see that educating the next generation of peace builders is more than paying school fees. It is about investing in the whole person: providing for their basic human security needs”
GPFA’s investment in education is a mission to ensure Africa is reconciled and peaceful. Your support now will help mobilize resources and help GPFA provide full scholarships for 200 university and high school students. Your support now will help mobilize resources and extend our 360-degree scholarships to students who are in dire need of education to actualize their dreams.
Join the Dollar for Peace Campaign and donate now.