The Liberian Learning Center was filled with excitement, pride, and optimism as Empowerment Squared Liberia celebrated the graduation of the third cohort of its Born Before Computers (BBC) Program. The BBC program encourages digital literacy across all age groups. The event brought together graduates, staff, partners, family members, and community leaders to recognize 27 participants across Montserrado County who successfully completed the two-month digital literacy training program.
By Keshini Ramchurreetoo, Adolina Asmelash
While the graduation ceremony marked the completion of another successful cohort, it also highlighted something much greater: the growing importance of digital literacy and the life-changing opportunities that can emerge when people are given access to technology and education.
The Liberian Learning Center has grown into a bustling learning center serving over 18,018 individuals since its founding. The Center is a collaborative project led by Canadian charity Empowerment Squared. The Learning Center offers a wide variety of programs, ranging from the Adult Literacy Program to the Fashion Design Program.
In 2025, the first cohort of 37 students enrolled in the Born Before Computer program at the Liberian Learning Center. What began as a small initiative to introduce adults and youth to basic computer skills has continued to grow, empowering more Liberians across Montserrado County with the digital knowledge needed for education, employment, and everyday life. The recent graduation of Cohort 3 brought together graduates, staff, partners, family members, and community leaders to recognize participants who successfully completed the two-month digital literacy training program.
A participant of the BBC Program, Paul D. Tabolo, described how the program introduced him to data analysis, spreadsheets, and presentation design. During the graduation ceremony, Paul and Zayda demonstrated their newly acquired Excel skills before guests to analyze insurance bills, showcasing how digital tools can simplify complex tasks and improve efficiency.
The program’s impact extends beyond students and into the professional world. Mr. George F. Monibah, a member of the Liberia National Police, participated in the BBC program. Although he had some prior computer knowledge, he felt it was not sufficient for the demands of his profession. Through the training, he gained a better understanding of computers that has had a direct impact on his work as a police officer. Before joining the program, Mr. Monibah often had to pay others to type and prepare reports for him. Today, he can complete those tasks independently, saving both time and resources. Mr. Monibah now regularly recommends the BBC Program to colleagues and community members, emphasizing that digital literacy has become essential in today’s world.
The Born Before Computers Program was created to address the challenge of limited digital literacy skills. Through beginner-friendly instruction and hands-on learning, the program equips participants with practical skills needed for efficiency in this day and age.
Speaking during the ceremony, Empowerment Squared Liberia Program Manager Sele Max Fuah reminded participants that digital literacy is increasingly essential for personal and professional advancement. He encouraged graduates to continue building on the foundation they had established through the program and emphasized that learning remains one of the most powerful tools for personal growth. Sele highlighted the role that technology plays in modern society, stating, “For you to be able to advance and do great things, you can’t do it outside of the computer.”
His message reflected the mission of Empowerment Squared Liberia and the Liberian Learning Center: ensuring that individuals are not left behind as the world becomes increasingly digital. The BBC Program was established to help bridge the digital divide by providing practical, accessible, and supportive computer training to adults and beginners who may not have had the opportunity to develop these skills elsewhere.
The ceremony also featured a keynote address from Madam Wade Thompson Dennis, a respected Project Management Professional and longtime advocate for education. Drawing from her own experiences, she encouraged graduates to remain curious and continue learning long after the program’s conclusion. Her message of lifelong learning resonated strongly with participants and reinforced one of the central ideas behind the BBC Program: that education does not have an age limit and that it is never too late to learn a new skill.
As Liberia continues to embrace technology and innovation, programs like BBC play an increasingly important role in ensuring that no one is left behind. Their success demonstrates what is possible when individuals are given access to quality education, supportive instructors, and a community that believes in their potential.
For anyone who has ever felt intimidated by technology, missed opportunities because of limited computer skills, or believed they were too late to start learning, the graduates of the BBC Program offer a powerful reminder: the best time to begin is now. As Empowerment Squared Liberia celebrates the achievements of its third Cohort, the organization is already looking ahead to the future. Applications for the next Cohort are now open.
Apply here: https://bit.ly/bbc-program-2026
