Humanitarian Thomas Nimene Tweh has provided scholarship opportunities worth over US$100,000 to scores of less fortunate Liberian youths attending various schools and universities across the country, with a call for more investment in human resource capacity and the improvement of the country’s educational system.
Dr. Tweh who is affectionately known as Original Country Man was denied by the Supreme Court of Liberia from contesting for the Representative seat of electoral district 11 Montserrado County, following a domicile case filed against him by few of his political opponents.
Though the Hearing Officer and the Board of Commissioners of the National Elections Commission (NEC) earlier ruled that Dr. Tweh was a resident of the district, the High Court overturned the decision, something which prompted a high level of division among residents of the district.
Dr. Tweh, through his Nimene Tweh Foundation, offered the scholarships, to over 500 young Liberians, attending more than 20 academic and vocational schools, and universities in the country.
Speaking during the launch of initiative in Caldwell, outside Monrovia recently, Dr. Tweh disclosed that the gesture was intended to provide the beneficiaries the opportunity to acquire knowledge and educationally equip themselves to face and address future challenges with ease.
He noted that no nation can move forward in terms of economic and infrastructural growth and development if adequate support is not provided to citizens, especially young people to advance their studies.
He observed that many young Liberians are eager to acquire academic or vocational skills, but the lack of support makes it difficult for them to realize their dream or full potential.
Dr. Tweh said if Liberian youths are to compete with their counterparts across the African continent and the world at large, they should be educationally empowered by not only the government, but those who have the hands to do so.
He added that Liberia will also be on par with other countries in terms of growth and development if more investment is made towards the education of young people in the society, noting that, “investment in human capital remains one of the best ways in transforming the society.”
“Today I am here to contribute towards the recovery and rebuilding process of Liberia by empowering young people through education. I strongly believe that education is one of the surest ways in which we can develop our country. If we invest in human resource development, we can be assured of a better future for the young generation.”
Dr. Tweh continued: “Many of you may wonder why I am awarding scholarships to hundreds of citizens today even though I was deprived from contesting despite being the preferred choice of the people in district 11. Serving humanity and giving to my people is something that cannot easily be taken away from me; I don’t care whatever the situation may be. I am awarding these scholarships because; I care for the people and always like to see people moving from one stage to another positively.”
He emphasized that Liberia would become a middle income country in the future if young people are supported and provided the requisite opportunities to acquire academic or vocational skills by those who are in the position to do so.
Dr. Tweh observed that government alone cannot do all and as such, humanitarians and philanthropic organizations should exert efforts in molding the minds and providing educational grants to underprivileged and deserving Liberian students who parents cannot afford to send them to school or college.
“When you are in a position to help somebody, you can do so without expecting anything back in the future. You shouldn’t help somebody because you want to get something from them.”
Dr. Tweh’s foundation also launched a free computer literacy program in the Township of Caldwell, outside Monrovia.
According to the Manager of the Original Countryman Movement Attorney Tonia A. Gibson, the OCM Computer Literacy Program was launched to bridge the huge gap between citizens who are computer literate and those who are not.
He disclosed that the establishment of the program was in fulfillment and continuation of Dr. Tweh’s uncompromising humanitarian works being carried out in Liberia despite his unfortunate denial by the High Court.
“Dr. Tweh will continue to do what he has been doing irrespective of whatever situation that may come. He has plans to do many things for Liberians across the entire country.”
He pointed out that about 90 students have already enrolled for the beginner, intermediate and advanced levels, while 100 others have been recorded for the second cycle of the computer program which runs from eight weeks to six months respectively.
He added that additional computers have been procured by the foundation Chief Financier Dr. Tweh to guarantee the enrollment of more students.
Attorney Gibson named Computer Awareness, Windows, Touch Typing, Paint, Microsoft Word 360, as well as Internet Connectivity, Virus and Anti-viruses, Excel and Power Point as some of the courses being rendered at the institute.
Others are: Advanced Excel, Software Installation, Microsoft Access and Internet Research Method.
He disclosed that though students attending the program are from various communities on the Bushrod Island and other areas, plans are underway to extend the program to other parts of the country.
He used this medium to encourage the beneficiaries to use the opportunity afforded them to educationally “build themselves and change their status.”
“We hope that people will take this program serious and acquire computer skills to prepare themselves for the job market in the future.”
Attorney Gibson, however, described his boss as a “true and patriotic humanitarian” who is immensely contributing to lift Liberians out of poverty by helping to confront some of the challenges they are faced with.
“I am still confused about Dr. Tweh’s courage. I admired his zest; he is not move by disappointment and this gives us more strength to stand by him. If Dr. Tweh will help anybody; he wants to do it immediately.”
Meanwhile, beneficiaries of the scholarships and computer literacy program have commended Dr. Tweh for helping to alleviate some of the constraints they are faced with in acquiring quality education at the grade and university levels.
They, however, vowed to utilize the opportunities in order to become productive citizens in the future.
