In a country where access to quality education and skills training remains a challenge for many, the Martin K. N. Kollie Foundation (MKNK-F) is emerging as a beacon of hope for thousands of young Liberians. Through its ongoing scholarship and empowerment initiatives, the foundation is steadily transforming lives and reviving lost hope among the nation’s youth.
Just in the year 2025 alone, the foundation has provided scholarships to more than 3,000 young Liberians across various academic and vocational fields. These include support for students enrolled in vocational institutes, academic institutions, and trade programs.
The latest milestone is a partnership with Smythe University College in Monrovia, where the foundation secured 30 full four-year scholarships for degree programs.
“The Martin K. N. Kollie Foundation (MKNK-F) just concluded a very fruitful meeting with the management of Smythe University College. We have secured 30 Full Scholarships for Degree Programs in 4 Years,” wrote activist Martin K. N. Kollie, CEO of the foundation, on Saturday, September 27.
That same day, 40 scholarship recipients of the foundation proudly joined more than eight hundred ( 800 ) graduates at Gonet Academy, having completed programs in diverse fields. Most of the beneficiaries hail from Montserrado and Margibi counties.
In separate social media posts and messages, several graduates expressed profound gratitude to the foundation, describing the initiative as life-changing.
“Since this morning, we have been receiving dozens of ‘Thank you’ messages. Why? Because we sponsored 40 Liberians for 4 months at Gonet Academy, valued at US$6,150,” Kollie shared in a Facebook post.
The foundation’s work doesn’t stop there.
In preparation for the upcoming University of Liberia (UL) entrance exams scheduled for November, MKNK-F has announced plans to cover entrance application fees for 100 prospective students. According to Kollie, the foundation has raised L$300,000 for this effort.
“UL is expected to administer another entrance in November. The MKNK-F has raised L$300,000 to sponsor 100 prospective Liberian students. The application will be out on Monday. We’ll continue to empower our people,” he stated.
Recognizing the need for more skilled professionals and job creators, the foundation is also investing in vocational training. A new partnership with the Forlife Vocational Institute will see 50 Liberians undergo six months of intensive training in high-demand fields at a cost of US$170 per person.
The available courses include:
- Architecture Drafting
- Satellite Dish Installation
- Plumbing
- Electricity
- AC and Refrigerator Repair
- Advanced Solar Panel Installation
- Interior Decoration
- Biodigester Engineering
- CCTV Installation
- Pastry and Baking
“The country needs more technocrats who can create jobs for themselves,” Kollie emphasized.
Despite being in exile, Martin K. N. Kollie continues to influence national development through these impactful education and empowerment initiatives. His foundation’s commitment to breaking down barriers to education is providing new opportunities for a generation of Liberians determined to build a better future.
