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.
