MONROVIA, LIBERIA-USAID-Liberia has awarded more than fifteen Liberians for their contributions to the country’s development drive.

The awardees were drawn from different categories, namely Best Teacher, Entrepreneur, Farmer, Health Worker, and Youth of the Year, among others.

KEEP-Liberia, Anita Collins, Alphia Kemokai, and Goretti Itoka, were named as Best Civil Society Organization, Health Worker, Youth, and Entrepreneur of the Year, respectively.

According to USAID, the selection was made after carefully observing the works and impacts of the organizations and individuals.

The Liberia Development Awards Ceremony, sponsored by USAID, has for the past four years, impacted the advancement of several organizations committed to changing the lives of the ordinary people.

Meanwhile, the recipients of the awards lauded USAID for the recognition.

In an ELBC interview on Tuesday, December 12, 2023, Miss Alphia Kemokai, the Youth of the Year recipient, admonished her counterparts to be the change they envision for their communities and country.

Miss Kemokai promised to use the award to promote and protect the rights of young people, especially women and girls.

For her part, a Board Member of KEEP-Liberia, Dr. Deddeh Sumue, said:” The recognition has further strengthened the organization’s readiness to reach out to every child in Liberia who needs quality education.”

Madam Sumue then reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to educationally transforming the minds of the youthful population.

At the same time, the Charge’d’ Affairs at the US Embassy, Catherine Rodriguez, has described the award ceremony as a bold step aimed at helping Liberian youth achieve their full potential.

Madam Rodriguez said:” With harnessed potentials, young people can be major contributors to the nation-building process.”

She said:” The honorees have diligently worked in their respective fields to bring pride and dignity to their institutions and the country as a whole.”

The US Diplomat called on the Liberian Government to continue creating an enabling environment for young people to build and explore their talents.

Madam Catherine Rodriguez spoke at the 2023 Liberia Development Awards Ceremony at the Elle Johnson-Sirleaf Ministerial Complex in Congo Town, on Tuesday, December 12, 2023.

By: Vasta Tarlue