Monrovia, Liberia — Liberian exiled activist Martin K. N. Kollie has sponsored 25 young Liberians under Cohort 14 of his scholarship initiative at Gonet Academy, continuing what he describes as a long-term investment in the country’s future.
The latest cohort brings the total number of beneficiaries under the MKNK Foundation scholarship program to over 100 across three cohorts. The initiative seeks to equip young Liberians with professional skills aimed at fostering independence and strengthening national development.
As part of his broader activism, Kollie said the program is designed to build the capacity of young people to confront corruption and poor governance in Liberia.
“We are investing in the future. We are building a generation of equipped, innovative, and competitive young professionals. We are proud to be fully sponsoring this. More people will benefit,” Kollie said.
Speaking to Verity News via WhatsApp on Wednesday, March 5, 2026, shortly after publishing the list of beneficiaries, Kollie emphasized that empowering youth through education and professional training remains the most effective way to combat corruption and bad governance.
“The best way to fight corruption and bad governance is to build the capacity of young people,” he stated, noting that the idea is central to his vision for a better Liberia.
Cohort 14 Beneficiaries
The 25 beneficiaries of Cohort 14 and their respective areas of study are:
Amanda Zayzay – Marketing Strategy and Brand Management, James Chea Pyne, Jr. – Project Management, Alieu V. Sheriff – Media and Public Relations, David D. Zayzay – Human Resource Management, Christopher McCarthy – Database Administration & Management, Cleopatra Mardea Clarke – Monitoring and Evaluation, Albert Bropleh – Human Resource Management, Pinky K. Johnson – Monitoring and Evaluation, Hawa Positive Guwor – QuickBooks Essentials, Shelly Matee Jones – Microsoft Excel Essentials, Charlesetta T. Ogunti – Banking and Finance, Francis M. Boayue – Monitoring and Evaluation, Theophilus Korti – Procurement and Contract Management and Frances Diamond Kennedy – Monitoring and Evaluation.
Others include: Saah Kandu – Monitoring and Evaluation, Joshua N. Tokpah – Monitoring and Evaluation, Mashamie Sheriff – Project Management, Yamah Saylee – Microsoft Office Productivity, Jerry Sebo – Monitoring and Evaluation, Janet Watchine Carter – Occupational Health and Safety Management, Robin Doepoe, Jr. – Monitoring and Evaluation, Laurine Browne – Occupational Health and Safety Management, McArthur D. Gbardyu – Project Management
Esther M. Doepah – Procurement & Supply Chain Management and Jerrylyn T. Garpue – Financial Management.
Kollie called on Liberians at home and abroad to support educational empowerment initiatives, stating that sustained investment in youth development is essential for national transformation.
Supporters of the program have praised the foundation’s efforts, noting that such initiatives provide practical skills and opportunities that can help reduce unemployment and promote ethical leadership among Liberia’s next generation.
The MKNK Foundation continues to expand its scholarship program, with Kollie assuring that additional cohorts will be announced in the coming months.
