Finance and Development Planning Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, has paid tribute to the Booker Washington Institute (BWI).
Ngafuan credited the premier technical and vocational institution for instilling the discipline, values and leadership qualities that have shaped generations of graduates serving with distinction in the public and private sectors.
At programs marking the institution’s 97th Funders Day celebration, Mr. Ngafuan reflected on his journey as a proud member of BWI’s ‘Class of 1989.’
He described the institution as the foundation upon which many successful Liberian professionals have built their careers.
“We can boldly say, BWI made some of us. The discipline we have, we got it here. We learned to respect others here. We became technically sound and academically grounded here. BWI set us on the path for the future.”
Ngafuan graduated as valedictorian of BWI ‘Class of 1989’ with a diploma in Accounting.
During that memorable event, he also received the West African Examination Council (WAEC) Merit Award for Academic Excellence in recognition of his “outstanding performance” in the national examination.
He recalled how the recognition bestowed upon them (alumni) at the ceremony was more than a personal achievement, reflecting the lasting impact of BWI in producing men and women who continued to make meaningful contributions to country’s development.
Mr. Ngafuan also recalled how the institution’s rigorous culture of discipline made him to wake up before dawn every day to clean the campus, and the lifelong lessons of responsibility, hard work and respect that students carried with them long after graduation.
He praised the schools enduring philosophy of educating “the head, heart and hands,” which he described as a model that produces well-rounded citizens equipped to contribute meaningfully to national development.
“The education we received here went far beyond the classroom. BWI prepared us intellectually, technically and morally for the responsibilities of leadership and nation-building.”
Ngafuan also commended the leadership, faculty and staff for preserving BWI’s traditions while preparing a new generation of skilled Liberians.
He applauded the student gospel choir for keeping one of the school’s cherished traditions alive, and announced a personal contribution of US$200 in appreciation of their performance.
He acknowledged the sacrifices of former principals, teachers, administrators and alumni whose dedication has sustained the institution for nearly a century.
Mr. Ngafuan then praised President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s unwavering commitment to the institution.
He described Pres. Boakai as one of BWI’s strongest champions, despite not being an alumnus.
“Sometimes, I get confused about where the President graduated from, because his passion for BWI is so great. Whenever issues affecting BWI are brought to him, he always wants us to do more, and we will continue to do more.”
He said, the President’s steadfast support reflects the government’s commitment to strengthen technical and vocational education as a cornerstone of the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development.
At the program, Pres. Boakai, addressed the celebrants. He described BWI as one of the most distinguished institutions and a pillar of technical and vocational education.
Pres. Boakai said, BWI’s 97-year journey mirrors Liberia’s own story of resilience through political transitions, economic challenges, public health cries and civil conflict.
“For 97 years, BWI has served as a center of excellence, producing generations of skilled Liberians, some of whom have contributed meaningfully to our national development.”
Boakai said, Liberia’s greatest wealth lies not beneath its soil, but it its people.
He added: “Institution like BWI remains indispensable to develop the skilled workforce needed to drive sustainable economic growth.”
As he reflected the post-war recovery, Pres. Boakai said, rebuilding the nation required more than roads and building, as it required skilled Liberians capable of reconstructing the country with their own knowledge and expertise.
“When peace returned, Liberia needed roads to be built. We especially needed skilled Liberians capable of rebuilding with Liberian hands. It is to that call the BWI answered.”
Held under the theme: “Honoring Our Funders; Celebrating Their Legacy Toward the Centenary,” the 97th Funders Day celebration brought together government officials, alumni spanning several generations, students, faculty, development partners and friends of the institution to celebrate nearly a century of excellence in technical and vocational education.
As BWI moves closer to celebrating its centennial in 2029, both Pres. Boakai and Mr. Ngafuan reaffirmed government’s commitment to invest in human capital development, and ensure that institution like BWI continued to produce the skilled workforce needed to accelerate economic transformation. Macpherson C. Marbiah write.
