Africa-Press – Liberia. –Must Rethink Liberia’s FutureGraduates of the Renaissance Consulting and Development Institute (ReCDI) have been urged to embrace lifelong learning and take bold steps toward reshaping Liberia’s future. The keynote address, delivered by Hon. Elias Shoniyin, former Deputy Foreign Minister, Managing Director of the Africa Development Management Association, and Dean of the School of Global Affairs and Policy at Cuttington University, emphasized the critical role education plays in national development.
In his inspiring remarks, Hon. Shoniyin extends congratulation to the graduates. He commended them for their dedication and perseverance during the rigorous three-month course. However, he reminded the graduates that their journey had only begun, urging them not to be complacent.
“You have to start thinking differently if you are really going to get this right,” Shoniyin said. “You have to start thinking radically; you have to start thinking in a way that will be strange to the people around you.”
Shoniyin’s message to the graduates was clear: Liberia’s future hinges on a radical shift in thinking and action, especially when it comes to the country’s education system. He expressed his concern that Liberia would never truly develop without fixing the foundational issues in education.
“We can never go on to develop this country if we don’t fix the education system. If every child can have access to quality education, then we can talk about the future. But without it, we are lying to the young people when we call them the future,” he said.
Shoniyin stressed that the future is something to be actively created, not something that happens by chance. He warned against relying on wishful thinking or empty promises, highlighting that hard work and a change in attitude were crucial.
“We can sing all the songs and make all the prophecies, but that’s never going to change anything here. We’ve got to do what is required to change the dynamics of the future.”
In an increasingly competitive global market, Shoniyin underscored the importance of gaining practical skills and continuously updating knowledge. He commended the ReCDI program for equipping its graduates with tools that will enable them to find solutions to the problems they encounter in their respective fields.
“The world is looking for skilled people, and every opportunity to learn something new puts you one step closer to being a part of the future that the world is looking for. Don’t stop here; keep on learning, and keep adding to what you’ve gained today,” he urged the graduates.
Shoniyin reminded the graduates that their training had given them the tools to solve problems, but the responsibility to use those tools effectively was entirely theirs. He stressed that the difference in outcomes for each graduate would largely depend on mindset and attitude.
“You can get all the skills in life, but if you don’t have the right mindset, it’s for nothing.”
In a candid reflection, Shoniyin criticized the country’s overreliance on superficial solutions and religious rituals as a means to address deep-rooted societal challenges. Drawing comparisons with prosperous nations, he noted that these countries succeeded through hard work and strategic thinking, not by fasting or performing religious ceremonies.
“I am a Christian, and I take my faith seriously, but I didn’t fast for 21 days to get where I am. You have to think, act, and do the right thing. It’s not magic or miracles that will change this country; its attitude and hard work.”
He further emphasized the importance of leadership and integrity in all aspects of life. Shoniyin encouraged the graduates to build their reputations on honesty, professionalism, and responsibility, warning that a life built on dishonesty would ultimately crumble.
Meanwhile, ReCDI graduated 58 students in career planning and development, event planning and management, thesis writing, project proposal writing, youth development and mentorship program, website development concepts, and public speaking training program. The graduation held recently, at Apex University event hall, SKD Boulevard, 72nd Community in Paynesville City marks the first cohort professional skills development training program.
The Renaissance Consulting and Development Institute (ReCDI) is a legally registered entity under the laws of the Republic of Liberia and is recognized by the Ministry of Education, R.L. It was officially launched on July 17, 2024, with the participation of key educational stakeholders and prominent Liberians. ReCDI operates as a professional training institute, dedicated to providing consulting services and strategic educational programs across various fields, including:
Career Planning and Development
Community Services and Peacebuilding
Public Speaking
Concept Development
Event Planning and Management
Strategic Leadership
Youth Development and Mentorship
Proposal Writing
Professional and Institutional Development
Website Design
ReCDI’s mission is to contribute significantly to societal development through professional and strategic educational programs. It aims to inspire, transform, and create lasting impact through its diverse pillars and key programs.
ReCDI envisions ensuring that all programs are effectively implemented so that beneficiaries can apply the skills they acquire to foster both personal and institutional growth. These beneficiaries are expected to become examples of success and inspiration to others.
Speaking on behalf of the graduating class, Quennah Mulbah, one of the program’s graduates, echoed Shoniyin’s call for continuous learning and personal development. She expressed deep gratitude to ReCDI for providing the opportunity to gain essential skills and knowledge, despite the challenges the students faced throughout the program.
“Over the past months, we encountered many challenges, but we did not allow those challenges to overcome us. We dedicated our lives to the rigorous training schedules and have emerged more resilient, tolerant, and focused,” Mulbah said.
She also highlighted the impact the program had on their personal and professional growth, noting that it had equipped them to be better citizens and positive change makers who can contribute to Liberia’s development.
In closing, Shoniyin urged the graduates to think beyond themselves and consider the broader impact of their actions on their communities and the nation as a whole. He called on them to take leadership roles and approach their work with a sense of responsibility and integrity.
“Let’s be real; let’s be honest with ourselves and with our country. The attitude we take into government or any position of leadership must be one of service to others, not self-interest. When we start thinking as leaders who care for our communities, then we will see real change in Liberia.”
With these final words, Shoniyin left the graduates with a challenge: to think critically, act boldly, and become the leaders who will drive the radical rethink and transformation that Liberia so desperately needs.
As the graduates left the hall, armed with new skills and a renewed sense of purpose, they were reminded that their journey of lifelong learning and leadership had only just begun.
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