The Gabriel L. Dennis Foreign Service Institute (FSI) has embarked on a significant step forward by pursuing accreditation from the High Commission on Education.
Addressing the press at the Ministry of Information Culture Affairs and Tourism (MICAT) regular press briefing Thursday, August 1, Director General Reginald B. Goodrich, stated that this decision aligns with providing students the opportunity to pursue a Master’s degree after completing a postgraduate diploma at the FSI.
According to him, they are pleased to avail themselves of this opportunity to share with the Liberian people the important work being done at the Gabriel L. Dennis Foreign Service Institute, with support from the President.
He added that their goal is to establish a robust and well-equipped library that will cater to the needs of not only FSI faculty and students but also students and instructors from other institutions across the country.
The FSI was named in honor of the 23rd Secretary of State, Gabriel L. Dennis, through whose efforts eleven brilliant Liberians were trained by the Americans.
“To justify the status of the FSI as a premier think tank and repository of knowledge in history and international affairs, the institute is positioning itself as one of the leading research institutions in Africa.”
He mentioned that they are seeking collaboration with their development partners to solidify the concept, develop a structure, establish a curriculum, and source funding to support the establishment of the Madam Suakoko Graduate School for Female Diplomats.
“Our mission is to revitalize the institute in terms of management, staff proficiency, structure, and curriculum, thereby placing it on a trajectory to justify its legacy as a prestigious institute competitive with any other Foreign Service Institute around the world,” he noted.
Established in 1946 through legislation passed by the Legislature under the Foreign Service Act of February 16, 1951, Section (31), the FSI was designated as a professional training center for aspiring diplomats of the Republic of Liberia.
The FSI, known for its 11-month Academic Training Program and Executive Certificate courses, requires applicants to hold at least a Bachelor’s degree. Prospective students must undergo a rigorous selection process, including examinations and interviews by a panel of instructors.
The FSI traces its origins to the administration of President William V.S. Tubman, who recognized the necessity of enhancing Liberia’s diplomatic corps.
Moreover, the FSI intends to deepen its role as a think tank and repository of international affairs knowledge. Plans include entering Memoranda of Understanding with local and global institutions, facilitating student and instructor exchanges, and promoting research on Liberia’s pivotal roles in African diplomacy.
“As we approach the 75th anniversary of the Gabriel L. Dennis Foreign Service Agency in 2025, we envision hosting an Annual Foreign Service Symposium to foster dialogue on critical international issues from an African perspective,” announced Goodrich. The symposium aims to gather leading minds in African diplomacy to address contemporary challenges like climate change, regional stability, and economic development.
Meanwhile, he extended his thanks and appreciation to President Boakai for his keen interest in the viability of the Foreign Service Institute as a critical part of the ARREST Agenda.
He also applauded VP Koung for being the first high government official to submit officers and staff from his office to be trained at the Foreign Service Institute.
