Africa-Press – Liberia. Two 10th-grade students from Ducor Ivy League International School System, along with their mentor, will travel to the United States to represent Liberia in the global finals of the prestigious Diamond Challenge after winning the national edition of the competition.
The team—comprising Jerusha Yeadeh Johnson and Giftee L. Tweh—emerged victorious in the 8th edition of the Liberia Diamond Challenge, held from October 1, 2024, to March 2, 2025.
They were mentored by Mr. Allen G. Quoibiah and developed a social business project called “Glamour Hair,” which earned them the top prize and a check for L$97,500 from YONER Liberia.
The Liberia Diamond Challenge is organized by YONER Liberia in collaboration with the University of Delaware, USA, where the global finals will be held from May 1–2, 2026. The international event brings together young entrepreneurs from around the world to showcase innovative business ideas, build networks, and learn from industry leaders.
Speaking to FrontPage Africa, student Jerusha Johnson described the national win as a major achievement for the school and a personal milestone. She said their product, Glamour Hair, was developed in response to the issue of hair damage caused by harmful chemical products commonly sold in local markets.
“From the beginning, it was a bit hard, but with the help of our mentor and our school’s support, we were able to come up with our own ideas,” Johnson explained. “We created our business named Glamour Hair, which has to do with hair products. Our ingredients include Aloe Vera, Rosemary, and Olive Oil.”
Johnson added that following their submission, the team was selected to attend a one-week training camp to prepare for the final presentation. “We went to our innovation lab and after that, we went for the final on March 2, 2025. Other schools presented as well, and we emerged as the first-place winner of the Liberia Diamond Challenge.”
Her teammate, Giftee Tweh, also expressed excitement over the victory. “It is a great privilege. It brought pride to my school and my family as well. It is good to be a winner considering the number of people that were in the competition. The name Glamour Hair came about because our product can make your hair glow,” she said.
Mentor Allen G. Quoibiah noted that five schools participated in the national challenge, putting forward a total of nine teams. He said the competition focuses on creating business solutions that address real-world problems in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
“This is a competition wherein you take a survey in your country, identify a problem, and develop a business plan that addresses that issue,” Quoibiah said. “The national phase ended in March this year, and the final global phase will be held in May 2026.”
Abraham Tamba, Supervisor of Ducor Ivy League International School System, said while the school is proud of the achievement, it is not surprised by the outcome. According to him, the school’s academic program includes elective courses designed to equip students with practical, employable skills beyond the classroom.
“As part of our normal academic activities, we have what we call electives. Our students are trained in extracurricular activities to develop employability skills. That is how you see them achieving this today,” he said.
Tamba stressed that the students and mentor will be representing not just the school, but Liberia on the international stage. He called on well-meaning Liberians and organizations to assist with funding their trip to the United States.
“It is not about the school—it is about Liberia. We are calling on all well-meaning Liberians to help the two students and their mentor to buy plane tickets to go to the U.S.,” he appealed.
The Ducor Ivy League International School System has hailed the achievement as a reflection of its commitment to nurturing young entrepreneurs and innovators. School officials say the win represents a step forward in promoting academic excellence and business creativity among Liberia’s youth.
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