By Rufus Divine Brooks Jr
The Martin K. N. Kollie Foundation (MKNK-F) has unveiled another major education initiative targeting Liberia’s most valuable resource, its youth.
Through this flagship program, 20 young Liberians have been selected to undergo a rigorous four-month professional training at the reputable Gonet Academy, starting October 6, 2025.
This initiative is part of the foundation’s larger mission to provide hands-on, market-relevant training that empowers young people with the practical skills and knowledge needed to thrive in today’s competitive job market.
According to Martin K. N. Kollie, the foundation’s founder, the goal is not simply to educate, but to equip a generation of change-makers with the tools to drive innovation, improve governance, and accelerate national development.
The selection process was merit-based and highly competitive, focusing on individuals with strong drive and leadership potential. These scholars will receive specialized training across critical sectors aligned with Liberia’s socio-economic needs:
- Digital Skills for a Modern Workforce
Abu Fuad Nyei and Youconjay Junius will study Microsoft Office Productivity, building essential digital literacy for the modern office environment.
- Financial & Institutional Development
Elijah G. Garmondyu – Banking and Finance
Sharaline S. Aneya – Financial Management
Evelyn Warmah and Tina P. Johnson – Human Resource Management
- Project Implementation & Impact Measurement
Lawrence K. Nyemah – Project Management
Jeff Changes Dewalt – Project Proposal Writing
Theodosia Tarr, Irene Williams, Mattie P. Bernard, Janet Carr – Monitoring and Evaluation
4. Entrepreneurship & Supply Chain Expertise
Varfee A. Kamara and Ashley Payebayee – Entrepreneurship and Business Management
Nathan Tucker – Logistics and Supply Chain Management
David Quayae Nagbe – Procurement and Contract Management
5. Environmental Responsibility & Workplace Safety
Abdullah S. Konneh – Environmental and Social Impact Assessment
Akoi Kollie – Occupational Health and Safety Management
6. Data-Driven and Market-Oriented Professions
Lawrence Barbu – Data Analysis using SPSS
Melvin Flomo – Marketing Strategy and Brand Management
These 20 emerging professionals will train at Gonet Academy, known for its practical and competency-based approach to workforce development.
This effort is a cornerstone of the MKNK Foundation’s vision for a fair, inclusive Liberia, where access to opportunity is not a privilege, but a right. The foundation has already sponsored 60 Liberians in 2025, reaffirming its dedication to breaking barriers through education and empowerment.
As this latest group begins its journey, the ripple effect of their transformation is expected to reach far beyond the classroom—into communities, institutions, and the future of the nation itself.
