Monrovia, Liberia – In an effort to provide education opportunities for underprivileged youths and students in Monrovia, Liberian Advocate based in Exile, Martin K. N. Kollie, through his MKNKfoundation, has awarded L$1 million in scholarships to 17 Liberian students and youth based in Montserrado County.
By Francis G. Boayue
The L$1 million in scholarship is part of a promise fulfilled by exiled Liberian activist Martin K. N. Kollie, and a mission to create a just and fair society of shared prosperity and equal opportunity where every Liberian can live a life of dignity, respect, and self-accomplishment.
The occasion, held over the weekend in Monrovia, brought together staff and beneficiaries of the MKNK foundation.
Peter F. Kollie, Jr, reading the press statement on behalf of the founder and CEO of the Martin K.N. Kollie foundation who is now in exile, said the initiative is part of exiled Liberian Activist Martin K. N. Kollie way of giving back to communities he once lived and expected to go beyond.
“Growing up in Logan Town, Jallah Town, Bong Mines Bridge, Stockton Creek-Momboe Town, Red Light, and 12th Street has been a journey of struggle, stride, and strength. The storms of life in these slum communities across Monrovia and its suburbs are not just challenging and crushing for kids, adolescents, youth, and vulnerable populations, including PwDs, but they tend to push you far apart from your dream and purpose-driven life,” Kollie said.
“We know this for a fact because we were once there, and we, too, like many others, went through it for three (3) decades.
“Tens of thousands, like us, were and have been entrapped in it, and there seems to be no hope or way out. We want to use our story to strengthen and sensitize them-all is not lost because there is solace even in solitude. We want to inspire hope and stimulate positive social change.
“Across vulnerable communities where we once lived, we want to lift Liberians in need and give them a reason to believe in themselves and their dreams again. It is possible to rise above “The Slum” and become an agent of positive change and peace. Being a resident of “The Slum” must never limit our capacity and restrain our talent to look beyond poverty and defeat this menace head-on.
“This is why and what we want to give back to our communities (love and care through life-changing services). Connecting with you to build a future of shared prosperity, equal opportunity, inclusion, and peace matters significantly. We can and must achieve this together. It starts with quality education and youth empowerment.
“We cannot do everything for everyone. But we can do something for someone. With this mantra, we can change our communities together and leave a long-lasting legacy of prosperity and equal opportunity for prosperity to inherit.
“We are proud to award this L$1 million Scholarship to 17 of you. We hope it inspires and impacts your journey as you strive for excellence and success. May God bless you all,” he added.
According to him, the first set of scholarships is exclusively for applicants from these communities and schools. The foundation will provide at least 9 scholarships and financial aid every year to Liberians. The program will not be limited to any community or school as of the next academic year (2025-2026).
