PAYNESVILLE – Twenty-seven Liberians have received professional certificates in Baking and Pastry Arts after successfully completing a seven-week intensive vocational training program offered free of charge by the Geneva Reeves-Johnson Foundation (GREJOF), a nonprofit organization committed to youth empowerment and skills development.
By Francis G. Boayue
The graduation ceremony, held Sunday, June 27, formed part of activities commemorating the foundation’s 11th anniversary and highlighted its continued investment in equipping young Liberians with practical skills to promote entrepreneurship, self-employment and sustainable livelihoods.
Speaking during the ceremony, Program Coordinator John Gray said the Baking and Pastry Arts Proficiency Program is one of five vocational initiatives being implemented by the foundation at no cost to beneficiaries.
According to Mr. Gray, the foundation was established with a vision of empowering vulnerable and aspiring Liberians through education, vocational training, and capacity-building opportunities that enable them to become economically self-reliant.
“The training is completely free,” Mr. Gray said. “This is part of our CEO’s vision to transform lives through practical skills development. Over the years, the Geneva Reeves-Johnson Foundation has continued to invest in people because we believe skills create opportunities and opportunities transform communities.”
He noted that the foundation remains committed to expanding its vocational programs to reach more young people and women across Liberia as unemployment and limited access to technical education continue to challenge many communities.
Delivering the valedictory remarks on behalf of the graduating class, Helena B. Clarke encouraged her fellow graduates to remain committed to excellence, describing the seven-week journey as demanding but rewarding.
Speaking on the theme:, “The Reward Is Worth the Effort,” Madam Clarke said the graduates entered the program with different backgrounds and expectations but are leaving with valuable skills capable of changing their lives.
“Success does not come easily,” she said. “It requires time, determination, discipline, and perseverance. These seven weeks challenged us in many ways, but today we are graduating with knowledge and practical experience that can help us become entrepreneurs and support our families.”
She described the tuition-free training as a rare opportunity that many Liberians are unable to access due to financial constraints.
“We are grateful to the Geneva Reeves-Johnson Foundation and especially to its CEO, Mr. Emmanuel Reeves, whose vision has made it possible for people like us to receive quality vocational training without paying tuition,” Madam Clarke added.
“His investment in people is making a real difference in communities across Liberia.”
She urged her colleagues to put their newly acquired skills into practice by establishing businesses, creating jobs, and serving as role models for other young Liberians.
Delivering the keynote address, Neva P. Wesley, Officer for Trade and Commerce at the Trade and Investment Office in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, challenged the graduates to view their certificates not merely as recognition of completed training but as the beginning of an entrepreneurial journey.
Madam Wesley encouraged the graduates to master their profession through continuous learning, innovation, and hard work.
“Your skills have value,” she told the graduates. “Use them to create opportunities for yourselves instead of waiting for opportunities to come to you. The future belongs to people who are willing to work hard, improve their craft, and remain committed to excellence.”
She said vocational education has become an important pathway to economic empowerment, particularly for women and young people seeking financial independence.
Drawing from her own entrepreneurial experience, Madam Wesley recounted how her passion for cooking evolved into a successful business venture, encouraged the graduates to embrace innovation and quality service as essential ingredients for building successful enterprises capable of competing in Liberia’s growing hospitality and food industries.
Reeves-Johnson Foundation’s 11 years of community service.
Also speaking, James D. Kweemine, Country Director, GREJOF, Inc., said Since its establishment, the foundation has focused on providing free vocational education, youth empowerment initiatives, and other social interventions designed to improve livelihoods and expand economic opportunities for Liberians.
According to him, the graduation ceremony also served as a reflection on the Geneva Reeves-Johnson Foundation’s 11 years of community service, adding that the organization remain committed to strengthening partnerships and expanding access to technical and vocational education as a means of addressing youth unemployment and promoting inclusive national development.
“As the 27 graduates embark on their entrepreneurial journeys, it’s our hope that the skills acquired through the Baking and Pastry Arts Proficiency Program will not only transform individual lives but also contribute to job creation, household income, and broader economic growth in Liberia,” he added.
