By Socrates Smythe Saywon
MONROVIA, LIBERIA – In an exclusive interview with Smart News Liberia on Saturday, May 17, 2025, Madia Moore, Founder and Owner of Konbah Leadership Academy, speaks candidly about the challenges and triumphs of Liberia’s educational system, her motivation for investing in Liberia’s future, and the bold vision she holds for her academy and the country at large.
Smart News Liberia: Good day, Madia Moore. Thank you for speaking with Smart News Liberia. Please tell us, what are your impressions of the current state of the educational system in Liberia?
Madia Moore:
Liberia’s educational system faces significant challenges rooted in its history, infrastructure, and socioeconomic conditions. Years of civil conflict severely damaged the educational infrastructure, leading to a shortage of schools, learning materials, and qualified teachers. Even now, many schools lack basic facilities such as libraries, laboratories, and even adequate classrooms.
The quality of education in Liberia is also a major concern. Teacher training programs are often inadequate, and there’s a need for continuous professional development to equip teachers with modern teaching methodologies. Curriculum development is another area needing improvement, as it should be more aligned with the needs of the job market and promote critical thinking skills among students. Moreover, access to education remains unequal, with disparities between urban and rural areas, as well as between different socioeconomic groups.
Despite these challenges, there are ongoing efforts to improve the educational system in Liberia. The government, with support from international organizations, is working to increase access to education, improve teacher training, and rehabilitate educational infrastructure. Initiatives such as providing scholarships, implementing school feeding programs, and promoting girls’ education are also underway. However, sustained investment, policy reforms, and community engagement are crucial to address the systemic issues and build a resilient and effective educational system in Liberia.
Smart News Liberia: What inspired you to establish a school in Liberia?
Madia Moore:
My inspiration to establish a school in Liberia stems from a deep-seated belief in the transformative power of education and a profound connection to the country and its people. Having witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by Liberian communities, particularly the lack of access to quality education, I felt a moral imperative to contribute to positive change. The resilience and determination of the Liberian people, despite enduring years of conflict and hardship, ignited a fire within me to help create opportunities for future generations.
Education is not merely about acquiring knowledge; it is about empowering individuals to reach their full potential, break the cycle of poverty, and become active contributors to society. In Liberia, where access to education is limited and the quality of instruction often falls short, establishing a school represents a beacon of hope and a catalyst for transformation. I envision a school that not only provides academic excellence but also fosters critical thinking, creativity, and a sense of social responsibility among its students.
Moreover, my inspiration is rooted in the belief that education is a fundamental human right that should be accessible to all, regardless of their socioeconomic background or geographic location. By establishing a school in Liberia, I aim to create an inclusive learning environment where every child has the opportunity to thrive and succeed. It is my hope that this school will serve as a model for educational excellence and inspire others to invest in the future of Liberia by prioritizing education as a cornerstone of national development.
Smart News Liberia understands that you are the owner of Konbah Leadership Academy. If this is correct, could you please share the significance behind the name “Konbah”?
Madia Moore:
As the owner of Konbah Leadership Academy, naming the school after my grandmother, especially with “Konbah” meaning “I wish I had her,” adds a deeply personal and powerful layer to our mission. It transforms the academy into a living tribute to her values and legacy, inspiring me and everyone involved to carry forward her passion for education. That’s my way of honoring her memory and impacting future generations!
How would you describe your experience operating a school in Liberia so far?
Madia Moore:
Operating a school in Liberia is an experience that is both profoundly challenging and deeply rewarding. On one hand, there are significant hurdles to overcome, such as limited resources, infrastructure challenges, and the ongoing need to address the educational disparities that persist in the country. Navigating these obstacles requires resilience, creativity, and a constant commitment to finding innovative solutions.
On the other hand, witnessing the transformative impact of education on the lives of students and the broader community is incredibly fulfilling. Seeing young minds light up with curiosity, watching students develop critical thinking skills, and empowering them to become agents of change in their own lives makes all the hard work worthwhile. The opportunity to contribute to the development of Liberia by providing quality education and fostering future leaders is a privilege and a source of immense pride. It’s a journey filled with highs and lows, but ultimately, it’s driven by a deep passion for education and a belief in the potential of the Liberian people.
When was the Konbah Leadership Academy established?
Madia Moore:
The Konbah Leadership Academy was established in September 2023. Though still relatively young, we’ve already made significant strides in setting a high standard for education and leadership training.
What specific challenges have you faced in running the Konbah Leadership Academy, and how have you addressed them?
Madia Moore:
Running Konbah Leadership Academy in Liberia has presented a unique set of challenges, a significant one being the limited infrastructure, including unreliable electricity and internet access. To overcome this, we plan to invest in solar power to ensure a consistent energy supply and explore alternative methods of delivering educational content, such as offline learning resources and community-based study groups. Additionally, we’ve focused on building strong relationships with parents and community members to create a supportive learning environment that extends beyond the classroom. Despite these challenges, our commitment to providing quality education and empowering our students remains unwavering, and we continue to adapt and innovate to meet their needs.
What distinguishes Konbah Leadership Academy from other schools in the country?
Madia Moore:
What truly distinguishes Konbah Leadership Academy from other schools in Liberia is our unwavering commitment to holistic development and our emphasis on nurturing future leaders. While many schools focus primarily on academic achievement, we recognize the importance of developing well-rounded individuals who possess not only knowledge but also strong character, critical thinking skills, and a deep sense of social responsibility.
Our curriculum is designed to integrate leadership training, entrepreneurship, and community engagement into every aspect of the learning experience. We encourage students to identify challenges in their communities and develop innovative solutions, empowering them to become agents of change. Furthermore, we prioritize creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment where every student feels valued, respected, and inspired to reach their full potential. This unique approach sets Konbah Leadership Academy apart and prepares our students to excel not only academically but also as compassionate and effective leaders in Liberia and beyond.
How has the local community responded to the presence of your school?
Madia Moore:
The local community’s response to the presence of Konbah Leadership Academy has been overwhelmingly positive and deeply supportive. From the outset, we’ve made it a priority to engage with community members, listen to their needs, and involve them in our school’s development. This collaborative approach has fostered a strong sense of ownership and pride in the academy.
Community members have actively participated in school events, volunteered their time and expertise, and provided invaluable support to our students and staff. They recognize the transformative impact that Konbah Leadership Academy is having on the lives of their children and the overall development of the community. In turn, we’ve strived to be a responsible and engaged member of the community, offering educational programs, healthcare initiatives, and economic empowerment opportunities. This reciprocal relationship has created a strong bond of trust and mutual respect, making Konbah Leadership Academy a true community asset.
What are your short- and long-term goals for the academy?
Madia Moore:
Our short-term goals for Konbah Leadership Academy are centered on solidifying our foundation and enhancing the quality of education we provide. Within the next year, we aim to expand our curriculum to include more vocational training programs, providing students with practical skills that are directly applicable to the local job market. We also plan to invest in upgrading our facilities, including additional computers to our computer lab to create a more conducive learning environment.
Looking further ahead, our long-term goals are focused on scaling our impact and becoming a model for educational excellence in Liberia. We envision establishing a network of Konbah Leadership Academies across the country, reaching underserved communities and empowering more students to become leaders. We also aspire to develop partnerships with universities and organizations around the world, providing our students with opportunities for higher education and global exposure. Ultimately, our vision is to create a generation of ethical, innovative, and compassionate leaders who will drive positive change and contribute to a brighter future for Liberia.
Are there any government or private partnerships currently supporting your educational initiative?
Madia Moore:
While Konbah Leadership Academy is currently self-funded, we are actively seeking partnerships with both government and private organizations to expand our reach and impact. We believe that collaboration is essential to achieving our long-term goals and creating a sustainable model for educational excellence in Liberia.
We are engaging in discussions with government agencies to explore opportunities for support in areas such as curriculum development, teacher training, and infrastructure development. We are also reaching out to private foundations and corporations that share our commitment to education and leadership development. These partnerships would enable us to access additional resources, expertise, and networks, allowing us to serve more students and communities across Liberia. While we are proud of what we have accomplished through self-funding, we recognize that strategic partnerships are crucial to realizing our vision of a brighter future for Liberia through education.
As Madia Moore continues her mission to transform Liberia’s education sector through the Konbah Leadership Academy, her story serves as a beacon of hope and a call to action. Her passion, perseverance, and commitment to leadership development are inspiring a new generation to rise, learn, and lead.
Smart News Liberia will continue to follow the progress of Konbah Leadership Academy and other transformative educational initiatives across the country.
