The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Women’s TV Liberia, Lisa Diasay, is demanding quality education for girls in Liberia with the belief that the barriers girls face around the world when it comes to accessing quality education cannot be ignored.
When she served as keynote speaker at the Petals of Hope International Girls Academy’s 4th Graduation Convocation over the weekend, Madam Diasay said quality education is the surest way to empower girls.
She argued that parents irrespective of economic status must strive to continuously support their girls attain quality education pointing out, “It is truth children are our heartbeats but, what are we doing to support them for a brighter future.”
“Quality education for our girls will not be obtained on silver platter, it must be through hard work and demonstrated through our actions towards our girls,” she exclaimed.
Madam Diasay at the same time pledged a year’s tuition scholarship for the valedictorian of the graduating class, a set of uniform for the best student in academic work and a pair of new shoes for another student.
She outlined sexual reproductive health and rights, stereotypes, as major conversations parents should consider having with their kids.
Madam Diasay noted, “Education is a fundamental right and it serves as the cornerstone for a brighter, more equitable future; Girls, each of you possesses boundless potential, creativity, and intelligence.”
“You are the architects of change, the leaders of tomorrow. Yet, we cannot ignore the barriers and challenges that many girls around the world face when it comes to accessing quality education,” Madam Diasay reiterated.
The WTV’s Chief Executive Officer challenged parents to defy the odds by breaking down barriers, challenging stereotypes and empowering their daughters to greatness.
“Advocate for their right to education, and create a safe environment that fosters growth, curiosity, and love for learning. Engage in open and supportive dialogues that encourage them to pursue their dreams without limitations,” the WOMEN’s TV CEO asserted.
She however, encourage parents to break down the barriers that limit girls from accessing quality education while urging young girls of school-going ages to focus on acquiring the best knowledge to support and uplift their fellow young girls who are faced with harsh challenges.
“As you continue your educational journey, I encourage you to support and uplift your fellow girls who face barriers to education,” she added.
Speaking on behalf of the graduating students, the valedictorian, little Annatisha Mansaray, urged parents to pay keen attention to their children highlighting harassments, drug abuse and addiction, and poor parenting as issues children continue to face in Liberia.
She explained that if the future must be bright, parents must guard their kids to becoming better adults adding, “Parent needs to look after their children. Today we see many children in the streets; many are addicted to drugs already, while others have been abuse and harassed.”
“Some parents abandon their kids. Our parents should be able to take care of us today and provide us the best education if we must have a better generation for tomorrow, “little Mansaray pleaded.
Meanwhile, the Superintendent of the Institution, Samuel Z. Gobah Jr., lauded Madam Diasay for the opportunity provided and encouraged beneficiaries to make proper use of it.
“To our parents we say thank you for a successful completion of another academic year and we look towards having a stronger working relationship with you,” he concluded.
Petals of Hope International Girls Academy is an all-girls school located in Margibi County that is impacting and ensuring quality education for girls in Liberia. The school graduated 17 students from its kindergarten division.
