By Linus Flomo
The Girls’ Education Foundation Liberia (GEFL) has celebrated a major milestone with the graduation of 30 young innovators from its inaugural Adolescent Leadership Training Program.
The ceremony, held on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at the Buchanan City Hall, marked the successful completion of an intensive leadership curriculum designed to empower young people with critical skills for personal and community development.
The graduating class consisted of 22 young women and eight young men, all of whom underwent months of training in leadership, public speaking, entrepreneurship, conflict prevention, volunteerism, menstrual hygiene management, and mental health awareness.
The program aimed to equip participants with the tools to become proactive change makers in their communities.
The event featured Grand Bassa District 5 Representative, Thomas Alexander Goshua as the keynote speaker.
Drawing inspiration from Salt of the Earth, a popular gospel song by Michael Mahendere, Representative Goshua encouraged the graduates to embody the essence of true leadership—one rooted in resilience, service, and transformation.
He challenged them to be catalysts for positive change, urging them to use their newly acquired skills to uplift their communities and inspire others.
Linda Playma Lloyd, Chief Executive Officer of GEFL, reflected on the organization’s journey since its founding in 2018.
She reiterated the foundation’s mission to advocate for the rights of young women and men by providing them with essential skills for a brighter future. “This program is more than just leadership training; it is an investment in Liberia’s next generation of problem-solvers and visionaries,” Lloyd stated.
The graduation ceremony was a joyous occasion, as parents, mentors, and community leaders applauded the achievements of the young graduates. Several students showcased their newfound skills through presentations, reinforcing the impact of the program on their personal growth and aspirations.
As the graduates step into the next phase of their journey, GEFL remains committed to fostering leadership and education as a means to drive societal change.
The success of this inaugural cohort signals a promising future for Liberia’s youth, who now carry the responsibility of shaping a better tomorrow.
