Africa-Press – Liberia. Cllr. Rufus McDonald Garnett, Sr., a prominent legal advisor and Deacon, has urged students to seek knowledge, through formal education, with discipline and the fear of God if they are to become successful in their educational sojourns.
In a compelling address as the Keynote Speaker at the 5th Commencement Exercises of Isaac Winker Global Ministries, Inc. Dominion Christian Institute, Deacon Garnett emphasized education as a pathway to success and encouraged the graduating class to continue their studies with determination and passion.
“The Western education is good. We are living in a contemporary world, which is revolving. Therefore, we must learn to live with modern technologies and social changes, but not the negative things that are associated with them. And this is why education without discipline and the fear of God is useless,” he said
Speaking on the topic, “The Essence of Education for Early Learning,” the legal practitioner said education is not only physical but also spiritual, principle, code, and crux.
“The meaning for Education is that at its core, education involves the transmission of knowledge values, and skill from one generation to another, ensuring the continuity and advancement of civilization,” he said. “It goes beyond formal schooling, extending to informal learning experiences. When we say essence, it is very important to note that education is spirit, soul, code, principal, and the crux. This is just to remind you that education is not physical.”
He highlighted the historical importance of education in transmitting knowledge and driving social advancement, emphasizing the global relevance of contemporary learning approaches and the necessity of discipline in academic pursuits.
His speech centered on the vital role of education in early learning and its impact on societal progress. He also emphasized the issue of continuity on the journey to acquiring education—urging the graduates not to stop learning.
“It is very good that you have completed the certain levels of education, which is very important, but what is more important is the continuity, moving up to the Junior High and Senior High level of High School, which is excellent,” Cllr. Garnett noted. “There are many challenges ahead of you to get educated; you will have to move to the next class and other classes with vigor, focus, seriousness, patience, and tidiness, with the notion that education is the key to success. We want the best out of you; this is why we are encouraging you to continue your studies.”
Deacon Garnett praised the institute for its dedication to providing quality education and support to students facing financial constraints.
“We were informed that this institution was established to offer quality Education to Liberian Children, and since the establishment of this institution, you have to meet the needs of age-going children who cannot afford it. This is very good of you, Rev. P. Abraham Mason; may God richly bless you with good health and wealth,” he said.
Moreover, he addressed the pressing issue of gender-based violence within the ECOWAS framework, underscoring the importance of public awareness and cultural transformation to combat these challenges effectively.
“The word is involving and has become a global village. Therefore, we are obligated to learn and live with the laws that will make humankind live at peace with one another,” the Baptist Deacon noted. “The UN and ECOWAS are deeply concerned about “GENDER” which means Male and Female, Gender-Based Violence and Sexual Harassment among Gender. We want our kids to be saved in the educational institutions.”
He disclosed that ECOWAS developing its own legislative and policy frameworks to combat Gender-Based Violence in the region. To this effect, the ECOWAS Center for Gender Development (ECGD) organized an Experts’ Meeting in Dakar, Senegal from October 11-13, 2021, followed by a meeting of ECOWAS Ministers in charge of Gender and Women’s Affairs on October 15, 2021.
“The meeting focuses on the draft ECOWAS Regional Strategy for Preventing and Responding to Sexual and Gender-Based Violence and on the ECOWAS Project on Sexual Harassment in Workplaces and Educational Institutions.”
Deacon Garnett’s advocacy for education and social change, particularly in the context of gender equality and violence prevention, resonated with the audience.
His message of congratulations to the graduating class of Dominion Christian Institute, which was comprised of K-II and 6th graders, underscored the transformative power of education in shaping a harmonious society and building a brighter future for all.
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