By Bill W. Cooper
In a country like Liberia, where education is seen as the key to unlocking a brighter and prosperous future, teachers play a crucial role in shaping the minds of the next generation.
Sister Mary Laurene Browne is one of such teacher who has dedicated her life to educating the youth of Liberia and has been honored for her immense contributions towards the country’s educational sector.
Sister Browne, a native of Liberia, has been an educator for decades. She was born February 26, and is a devout Catholic Sister. She is also the author of many textbooks and other publications, and has contributed immensely to the education of hundreds of Liberians home and abroad.
Over the years, she has also taught thousands of students, many of whom have gone on to achieve great success in their careers before her resignation from one of Liberia’s famous Universities, Stella Maris Polytechnic.
She left years ago, after positively transforming a little known polytechnic into one of the vibrant and best higher institutions of learning in today’s modern Liberia, after leading the institution for the last two decades.
Browne’s teaching style is unique in that she not only focuses on academic excellence but also on instilling values such as integrity, hard work, and compassion in her students coupled with having command of the Queen’s language.
In her vision for a prosperous Liberia, Sister Mary Laurene Browne also believes that education is not just about passing exams but about preparing students to be responsible citizens who can contribute positively to society.
In recognition of her outstanding contribution to the education sector, the Liberia Association of Writers (LAW), Voices of the Elders (VOTE)/RL and the Liberian Institute for Growing Patriotism held a thanksgiving and welcome home recital for Sister Mary Laurene Browne after her stayed away from the country for past two years.
During the occasion, she was also given a certificate or appreciation for her many contribution towards to educational sector of Liberia as well as the impact made in the lives of the Liberian students.
The ceremony was attended by some past government’s officials, educators, fellow teachers, students, and members of the community who all came together to celebrate Brown’s achievements.
During her acceptance speech, Brown expressed her gratitude for the recognition and dedicated the award to all the teachers who work tirelessly every day to educate the youth of Liberia.
“Teaching or educating Liberians is not just a job for me, it is a calling. I believe that every child has the potential to succeed, and it is our duty as educators or teachers to help them realize that potential.”
I am honored to receive this award, but the real reward for me is seeing my students thrive and succeed in life because to completely face Liberia’s education problem, we need teachers, not people by credentials but those who understand the value of the job they are doing and the sacrifice involved,” she added.
Former Foreign Affairs Minister, Olubanke King Akerele of the Liberia Institute for Growing Patriotism, praised Brown for her dedication and commitment to the education sector, and said Mary Lauren Brown is a shining example of what it means to be a teacher.
Presenting the certificate, Madam King Akerele said, “Her passion for teaching, her love for her students, and her unwavering commitment to excellence make her a true role model for all educators. We are proud to have her as part of our education system.”
Meanwhile, the occasion was also graced with speeches from different personality in attendance, giving a clearer picture of the lifestyle if Sister Mary Laurene Browne whom some described as a national patriot.
The program was also marked by series performances including selection, poetry reading, proae reading, cultural performance, riddles among others,displaying the remarkable journey of Sister Mary Laurene Browne.
As Liberia continues to strive for excellence in its education sector, educator like Lauren Brown are invaluable assets who play a crucial role in shaping the future of the country as through her dedication, passion, and commitment to excellence, Brown has left a lasting legacy that will inspire generations of students to come.
Mary Lauren Brown’s story is a testament to the power of education and the impact that a dedicated teacher can have on the lives of their students as her unwavering commitment to excellence, her passion for teaching, and her love for her students make her a true hero in the field of education.
