At the historic Liberia Learning Center, a gathering of educators, policymakers, civil society actors, and diplomats witnessed what many described as a defining moment in Liberia’s education and literary landscape. The event was the official launch of “Korpo’s Swimming Challenge,” a children’s book authored by Madam Brenda Brewer Moore, Liberian educator and Chief Executive Officer of the Kids Educational Engagement Project (KEEP).
Presiding over the launch was Dr. Dale G. Gbotoe, Head of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) Liberia, who not only unveiled the book but also shared a deeply personal revelation that has since resonated across the education community.
“I learned for the very first time that fear is not real from this book,” Dr. Gbotoe declared. “From this book, I now realize that fear is not real. That is, it.”
His statement, both simple and profound, captured the central lesson of Korpo’s Swimming Challenge: courage can be nurtured, and fear can be overcome, even from childhood.
The ceremony was far more than a routine book launch. It was a national call to action, urging Liberians to rethink how early childhood education is structured and delivered. Attendees included senior government officials, representatives from the Ministry of Education, university leaders, international partners, and everyday citizens passionate about literacy.
Gbotoe admitted that he had initially been unsure about attending, given his tight schedule. But after receiving a copy of the book and leafing through its pages, he was struck by its simplicity, relatability, and transformative message.
“One way or the other, we all have some kind of fear as human beings,” he said. “But today we have been challenged, we have been encouraged by this book. If Korpo can overcome her fear, we too can overcome our fears.”
The book tells the story of Korpo, a young girl who confronts her fear of swimming. Through encouragement, persistence, and the guidance of her mother, Korpo not only learns to swim but emerges stronger, braver, and more confident.
For Gbotoe, this was more than a children’s tale. It was a metaphor for Liberia’s youth and the education system itself. “Today you may see yourselves as being little,” he encouraged the children present. “People may call you all sorts of names. They may say all sorts of things about you. But don’t allow those shortcomings to determine or to define you. Don’t stop your education.”
Beyond the book, the event highlighted the broader mission of KEEP Liberia under Brenda Brewer Moore’s leadership: rebranding early childhood education by fostering literacy and cultivating a reading culture.
Dr. Gbotoe acknowledged his limited prior knowledge of KEEP but expressed admiration after learning about its impact.
“This is a great initiative. Do not be deterred. There will be challenges along the way, but keep holding on,” he urged. “This is something we all should put our hands on deck to ensure that it becomes a resounding success.”
KEEP has been instrumental in setting up reading rooms, providing culturally relevant learning materials, and nurturing literacy in schools across Liberia. Currently operating in 14 of Liberia’s 16 counties, the organization continues to expand its reach.
Representing the Ministry of Education, Assistant Minister Abba Kangar commended KEEP for identifying what he described as the “actual problem in education” – weak foundations in reading.
Kangar recalled a literacy experiment conducted two decades ago while at Cuttington University, where only 13 out of 100 sampled Liberians could read the simple sentence, “I love Liberia.” “That is serious information,” he reflected. “If you have an organization like KEEP prioritizing reading, you have to appreciate them.”
He also revealed that Liberia’s Teacher Training Institutes (TTIs) dedicate only eight percent of their curriculum to reading content. KEEP’s intervention, he argued, directly addresses this gap by producing culturally relevant reading materials and establishing a reading culture among children.
Dr. Romelle Hilton, President of Cuttington University, and Board Chair, echoed these sentiments, praising KEEP’s innovative approach. “Young students everywhere enjoy reading because they are reading about themselves. They are seeing themselves in the books that you are writing. So don’t stop,” Hilton urged.
He emphasized that reading not only strengthens literacy but also improves speaking and writing skills, critical tools for success in education and beyond. “Reading will help you learn how to write properly. And it will make you realize your dreams,” he added.
Former Assistant Education Minister Felicia Doe Somah highlighted the broader societal impact of KEEP’s work. She recalled her first encounter with Brenda Brewer Moore and expressed admiration for her relentless energy in championing literacy.
Doe-Somah stressed the importance of parental involvement, lamenting that many parents prioritize material appearances over educational growth. “Some parents want to put nails and lashes on their child for a sixth-grade graduation,” she said. “But what are we looking for? We need to focus on values that shape their future.”
She praised books like Korpo’s Swimming Challenge for providing lessons not only for children but also for parents, encouraging them to foster resilience, discipline, and self-protection in their children.
The launch of Korpo’s Swimming Challenge was more than a literary event; it became a platform for collective reflection on Liberia’s education crisis. From literacy statistics to cultural relevance in learning, speakers agreed that the future of the nation depends on building strong foundations in early childhood education.
KEEP’s success, speakers noted, stems from its ability to blend storytelling with real-world lessons, ensuring that children see themselves in the books they read and grow confident in their identities.
The new book, recently certified by the Ministry of Education, will be taught in early childhood institutions across Liberia, further expanding Madam Moore’s growing Co impact on the nation’s literacy sector.
To date, Madam Moore has authored seven children’s books, four of which have been officially approved by the Ministry of Education for classroom use. Her previous works include “Sundaymah’s Adventure” and “Free to Be Me,” stories that celebrate identity, courage, and the everyday brilliance of Liberian children, and now Korpo’s Swimming Challenge.
She notes that despite distributing thousands of books, most are Western. KEEP aims to promote a culture of appreciating Liberian literature, ensuring stories are culturally relevant and speak directly to Liberian culture, language, and lived experiences, rather than just entertaining.’Kopo’s Story’ is not only about learning to swim but also about courage, community, and inner strength, validating children’s fears and celebrating their growth.
“Too often, our bookshelves are filled with foreign narratives. I want our children to hold stories that feel familiar, stories that speak their language, reflect their communities, and affirm their worth,” she said.
She described her writing as a way of “planting seeds of literacy, pride, and possibility,” with the goal of nurturing “a generation that reads, dreams, and leads.”
KEEP’s books are designed to equip children, helping them name their feelings, understand boundaries, and build emotional resilience. They intentionally stimulate difficult conversations, such as how children can communicate discomfort to adults, especially given high statistics of sexual abuse in the country. Since publishing its first book in 2020, KEEP Liberia has successfully produced seven books.
Madam Moore extends thanks to the ministry, Madame Felicia (Assistant Minister for Basic Education) for motivation, and commends the We Care Foundation for their work in producing Liberian books.
Appreciation is also given to Mr. Poto (head of National WAEC) and Mr. Nolton (Ministry of Education, Basic Education division) for providing critical instructional feedback that ensures the books align with national reading standards.
Others, like Felicia Doe-Somah, marveled at Brenda’s ability to juggle multiple projects without losing focus, asking, “Do you ever rest?”
Her answer was evident in the results: more reading rooms, more culturally relevant books, and more children gaining the courage to dream.
The recurring theme of fear and its defeat wove through the ceremony. For Dr. Gbotoe, Korpo’s story was not merely symbolic; it was a rallying call for Liberian children to break barriers, dream bigger, and pursue education despite challenges.
“Don’t allow anything to limit you. Even the sky should not limit you,” he declared. “You have great potential. You can do what others have done successfully. You can surpass them.”
The message was clear: fear is an illusion, and education is the weapon to defeat it. The ceremony ended not with closure, but with renewed commitment. From the Ministry of Education’s pledge to integrate KEEP into foundational learning projects, to universities’ vows to support culturally relevant literacy initiatives, to parents’ encouragement to take responsibility, the momentum was unmistakable.
For Liberia, Korpo’s Swimming Challenge is more than a book, it is a movement. A movement to fight illiteracy, to empower children, and to redefine the nation’s approach to education.
And for Gbotoe, the revelation was personal yet universal “Fear is just imagination. It is not real. And if Korpo can overcome it, so can we.
