By Domingo Dargbeh
The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Liberia Alumni Association (JAALIB) held its 6th General Assembly in Bentol City, Montserrado.
The Bentol gathering witnessed the election of new officials to guide the organization for the next two years.
The newly elected leaders, included the president, Angie Nyakoon Tarr, vice president for Administration Abim-Roger Karmon, VP for Operations, Maminah Gorlon Carr-Gaye, Secretary General, Evelyna Kandakai Financial Secretary General and Alfred Suah, treasurer.
Deputy Education Minister for Planning, Research and Development, Thomas Momo Parker, served as the keynote speaker. Parker underscored the importance to build systems; strengthen institutions, and develop human capacity rather than merely funding projects.
He highlighted JICA’s significant contributions to various sectors, including infrastructure, energy, health and education.
He added: “JICA’s investments in human resources, through scholarships and technical training, have shaped Liberia’s public service leadership.”
Parker shared how JICA’s focus on precision and accountability has influenced his work.
He expressed the need to restore discipline in data systems, particularly in the absence of an Annual School Census in 2023. Parker announced ongoing efforts to implement the 2024 Annual School Census and institutionalize the 2025 census process, reflecting on JICA’s system-building mindset. He also discussed the development of education partnership compact, and the mid-term review of the education sector plan.
He reiterated the importance of the motto: “Scholarship Must Lead to Service. “
Parker urged the alumni to leverage their JICA training to strengthen governance and accelerate national development. Acting President Albert G. Zorgbe, reflected on the progress made during his tenure, highlighting significant achievements in membership coordination and impactful initiatives, including the 5S orientation for KCCP ex-participants, and its implementation at the Ministry of Education.
Zorgbe described JAALIB’s as a community of professionals dedicated to drive institutional transformation, underline the theme: “From Scholarship to Service.”