Career Day Message Inspires Ricks Institute Students -Peace Corps Liberia Member Makes Inspiring Statement

By: Anthony Q. Jiffan, Jr.

MONROVIA – At a recent Career Day event held at Ricks Institute, Mrs. Delema Konah, a dedicated member of Peace Corps Liberia, left a lasting impression on both students and attendees. The event, which drew over 300 students to the Ricks Institute auditorium, saw Delema take the stage to deliver an iInspiring message that resonated with the audience long after the event concluded.

During her presentation, Delema Konah led the students in a powerful call-and-response chant, urging them to embrace their roles in creating positive change in the world. “Students, we are here to make a positive change!” she declared, with the students responding enthusiastically in unison.

“The students’ reactions and interactions were most exciting, with the thunderous response from them reflecting the impact of her contribution. The powerful chant not only energized the students but also left a lasting impression, inspiring them to go out into the world with a sense of responsibility toward making a difference in their communities,” said Madam Medina Wesseh.

Madam Wesseh praised Mrs  Delema konah brief contribution for her leadership and commitment to her work with the new face of Peace Corp liberia.

Beyond the event, Mrs. Konah’s ongoing efforts with Peace Corps Liberia have been significant. She played a key role in launching a health program and continues to demonstrate exceptional professionalism and dedication to her work.

Kwame Fitzjohn, the new Peace Corps volunteer assigned to Ricks Institute, is also contributing to the effort by inspiring new and creative ways to help the administration, faculty, and staff rebuild pride and confidence in what was once one of the most prestigious learning institutions.

The Peace Corps was first invited to Liberia in 1962, and more than 3,800 volunteers served in the country until the civil war in 1990. For 27 years, volunteers contributed to various development efforts in Liberia, focusing on education, agriculture, rural development, and health.

The first group of 94 volunteers primarily consisted of primary education teachers. The program expanded to include volunteers as classroom teachers, teacher trainers, vocational/technical instructors, and curriculum developers. Agricultural volunteers also contributed as foresters and economists, playing a role in crop production projects.

At its peak, nearly 400 Peace Corps Volunteers were serving in Liberia simultaneously, and the government and people of Liberia have always been highly receptive to their work.

In 2006, during a visit by the former U.S. Ambassador to Liberia, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf requested the re-establishment of the Peace Corps program, with a focus on education.

In response, Peace Corps began sending temporary staff to Liberia in March 2008 to initiate Peace Corps Response. By July 2008, permanent staff, including a country director, director of management and operations, and medical officers, were on the ground, marking the return of the Peace Corps to Liberia.