The Martin K. N. Kollie Foundation has fulfilled its commitment to funding the education of 17 Liberian students by fully covering their scholarship and financial aid payments for the 2024/2025 academic year.
The beneficiaries are enrolled at the African Methodist Episcopal University, African Methodist Episcopal Zion University, United Methodist University, University of Liberia, and four high schools across the country.
The foundation, led by exiled Liberian activist Martin K.N. Kollie, awarded scholarships worth L$1 million to students as part of its ongoing mission to support underprivileged youth. The initiative was officially launched during a ceremony at Corina Hotel in Monrovia on December 13, 2024, where recipients from diverse academic backgrounds gathered to celebrate the opportunity.
Speaking through a proxy, Kollie reflected on his own experiences growing up in the struggling communities of Logan Town, Jallah Town, and Stockton Creek. He highlighted the importance of education in breaking the cycle of poverty and creating lasting change. “Despite the storms of life, we want to use our story to inspire hope and show that it is possible to rise above poverty and become agents of positive change,” he said.
The foundation’s scholarships support students pursuing studies in public health, environmental science, sociology, mass communication, accounting, and information technology, among other fields. Additionally, the program extends to high school students who have demonstrated academic excellence, including duxes from various institutions.
Kollie reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to empowering Liberia’s youth and providing opportunities for those who face financial barriers. “We cannot do everything for everyone, but we can do something for someone. Together, we can create a legacy of equal opportunity and shared prosperity,” he stated.
Meanwhile, with the scholarship payments now fully settled, the foundation continues to push for broader educational access, emphasizing that investing in young people is key to Liberia’s progress. Beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the support, recognizing it as a significant step toward achieving their academic and career goals.
