MONROVIA, LIBERIA — The District #6 University Students Association (DUSA) is calling on District #6 Representative Hon. Samuel R. Enders and other stakeholders to increase support for university students through scholarships, internships, mentorship programs, and other educational initiatives.
DUSA President Joeraisee I. P. Joe made the call while delivering remarks at the District #6 Representative’s report.
Joe said university students are an important part of the district’s constituency and deserve greater attention from elected officials, particularly in education, empowerment, and professional development.
“I stand before you today not merely as the President of DUSA, but as the voice of thousands of university students from District #6 who continue to believe that education, empowerment, and student development must remain a priority in our district,” Joe said.
He clarified that DUSA’s concerns are not intended to disrespect the district’s leadership, but rather to promote accountability, engagement, and tangible results for students.
According to Joe, university students contribute to their communities through voting, volunteering, organizing activities, and preparing themselves for careers across various sectors.
“University students are part of your constituency. We vote, we contribute to our communities, we volunteer, we organize, and tomorrow, we will become the professionals, educators, entrepreneurs, health workers, leaders, and policymakers of this country,” he said.
Joe said DUSA has continued to organize educational programs, leadership initiatives, academic support activities, and student-development programs despite limited resources.
However, he expressed concern that the association’s repeated efforts to engage stakeholders have not produced the level of support and partnership students need.
He emphasized that DUSA is not seeking political favors, but rather investment in the human capital of District #6.
The association is calling for scholarships and tuition assistance for deserving students, internship and career opportunities, mentorship programs, support for academic initiatives, and a structured working relationship between the Office of the District Representative and DUSA.
The DUSA president also challenged district leaders to broaden their understanding of development beyond roads, buildings, and other physical infrastructure.
He argued that young people are among the district’s greatest assets and that their education and professional development should be treated as a major component of District #6’s development agenda.
“Accomplishments of your leadership should not only be roads, buildings, and physical projects. It should also be about your people—and interestingly, young people are among the greatest assets of District #6,” Joe said.
He questioned who would maintain and lead public institutions and other development projects in the future if sufficient resources are not invested today in educating and preparing young people.
Joe acknowledged that all of DUSA’s demands cannot be fulfilled immediately, but said students deserve concrete evidence of progress.
“We are not demanding that everything be done overnight. But we believe that after years of representation, there should be something concrete that students can point to and say, ‘This was done for us,’” he said.
‘We Want Opportunities, Not Promises’
The DUSA president said students want to be remembered as a generation that received meaningful opportunities rather than one that received only promises.
He said DUSA remains prepared to work with the district’s leadership while continuing to ask difficult questions and advocate for the interests of university students.
In a brief response, Representative Samuel R. Enders invited the DUSA leadership to visit his office to discuss the district’s future plans and explore ways to address the students’ concerns.
The invitation could provide an opportunity for DUSA and the district leadership to establish a more structured partnership focused on education, skills development, and opportunities for young people in District #6.
