MONROVIA – The Cummings Africa Foundation (CAF), a non-profit organization founded by the family of Mr. Alexander B. Cummings, political leader and standard bearer of the Collaborating Political Parties (CPP) yesterday, Monday, September 19, 2022 held a program for the award of nine full scholarships to prospective students to pursue tertiary studies in the areas of science, technology, engineering, math (STEM) and agriculture for the 2022-2023 Academic Year. The CAF Scholarship Program began in 2017 and has since awarded nearly 210 scholarships with a total value of approximately US $120,000.
Speaking on CAF Scholarship Program, Country Director, Dr. Wede Elliott-Brownell, “The Cummings Africa Foundation values education and believes that financial constraints should not limit a person from pursuing higher education. As the late Dr. Emmet Dennis, former President of the University of Liberia, said on several occasions, “scholarships provide opportunities to economically challenged but intellectually rich students”. This Program focuses on STEM and agriculture disciplines because of the dearth of these graduates in Liberia. Liberia needs more doctors, engineers, scientists, and agriculturalists to meet its development agenda. This Program supports the vision of CAF and we intend to expand it in the future”.
Earlier in her welcome remarks, Mrs. Theresa Cummings, Co-founder of the Cummings Africa Foundation and wife of Mr. Cummings thanked the CAF Director and panelists for the role they have played and selection of the students, adding that the program is a great honor to create opportunity for students, because many are in need but there is limited opportunity.
“We are behind you 100% as you create your future, not just for yourself but for your country as well”, Madam Cummings said while motivating the students to see the program as a golden opportunity and make the best performance in their respective disciplines.
In his brief remarks, Mr. Alexander B. Cummings reminded Liberians that while it is not anyone’s choice to decide where to be born, their tribe or religion, it is the choice to make Liberia a better place that makes the difference. He noted that the scholarship program is not political, mentioning that Liberia will only change when all Liberians applied efforts to do so.
Cummings urged the beneficiaries to do more and be on top of their lessons. According to Mr. Cummings it is very important for Liberia to take interest in the sciences. He expressed delight that six of the nine recipients are females.
Also speaking, one of the several beneficiaries of the CAF Scholarships, who spoke at the program, Jeremiah Kerkula, a prospective graduate of the Stella Maris Polytechnic, thanked the Cummings Africa Foundation for the scholarship awarded him. Jeremiah has been on the scholarship since 2017 and is among the first 105 students on the program. He is expected to graduate with a degree in Civil Engineering next month
Under the scheme, scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence, potential leadership skills, and demonstrated need. Students who are awarded the CAF Scholarships must maintain a “B” average and remain active in their communities. The Scholarship Program has grown significantly since its inception. Over the next few years, as the scholarship recipients graduate from college and enter the workforce, CAF expects to see measurable and impactful results.
The four participating institutions of higher learning are: (1) Stella Maris Polytechnic University, (2) Starz College of Science and Technology, (3) Smythe Institute of Science and Technology, and (4) Adventist University of West Africa.
The Cummings Africa Foundation (CAF) believes and works from the position that if every person, in every community, is given the right opportunities for better healthcare, better education, and the ability to earn a meaningful income, he or she can reach his or her full potential. Since its creation in 2015, the Cummings Africa Foundation has invested over US $5 million implementing education, health, and entrepreneurship programs. The Foundation’s programs and initiatives have impacted communities in almost every county in Liberia. CAF remains committed to having a positive impact on the lives of people in as many communities as possible.
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