Jewel Taylor Urges Female Graduates
By Domingo Dargbeh
Former Vice President, Jewel Howard-Taylor, has called on young women to harness their education as a catalyst for societal change.
Madam Taylor delivered her address at the recent graduation ceremony for female from a BRAC-Liberia sponsored program.
The event, which celebrated the achievements of graduates from various disciplines, emphasized the importance of practical skills acquired during their studies.
“It is now time to make the dream come to reality by putting into practice the skills you acquired here today,” Taylor told the graduates, predominately females.
She highlighted the importance of independence, encouraging them to develop plans that would focus on personal capacity building, rather than competing with their peers.
“Take full advantage of this opportunity and emerge ready to make a difference,” she stated.
As she reflected on her own experiences as the first female Vice President of Liberia, Madam Taylor called on the graduates to support each other, rather than tear one another apart.
“You may remember that couple of years ago, when I thought of resigning my position, but I realized the decision would negatively impact every young woman, who aspires to be a leader.
Madam Taylor meanwhile, stressed the need for women to strive for excellence in everything they do.
She then urged the graduates not to settle for less.
She thanked BRAC-Liberia for its significant impact on the youth population.
BRAC-Liberia Country Director, Juvenalius Cyprian Kuruletera, said, the institution operates through two main arms, including the provision microfinance services at no cost, and implementing key developmental initiatives across various ministries and agencies in the 15 counties.
Kuruletera then announced the official launch of Cohort 3 of the training.
“Our institution focuses on making thousands of Liberian females as change-makers by providing them with the quality skills they desired.”
BRAC has significantly impacted the lives of over 36,000 women during its first and second cohort exercises.
Deupty Youth and Sports Minister for Sports, Bill McGill, reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to foster opportunities for young people. “We fully embrace partnerships that are rooted in action, driven by community needs, and sustained by results,” stated a representative from the ministry.
The National Youth Policy and Action Plan 2023-2027 emphasizes youth employment, entrepreneurship, innovation, and inclusion, values that align closely with the goals of the BRAC program.