MONROVIA, LIBERIA: President of the National Customs Brokers Association of Liberia and Chief Executive Officer of the James Lawrence Hinneh Foundation, James Lawrence Hinneh, has called for sustained investment in Liberia’s young people as 37 young professionals graduate from the month-long Voices of Change Training Program.
The program, jointly organized by the Mama Marie Foundation and the James Lawrence Hinneh Foundation, equipped participants with practical skills in public speaking, effective communication, speech writing, confidence building, and using their voices to promote positive change.
The graduation brought together young professionals from different backgrounds who completed the intensive month-long training, with some participants reportedly travelling from as far as Red Light to take part in the program.
For Hinneh, the completion of the training represents more than the awarding of certificates. He believes the initiative demonstrates the potential that exists when young Liberians are provided with the knowledge, confidence, and opportunities needed to develop their capacities.
“The greatest investment we can make in our communities is an investment in people,” Hinneh said, emphasizing the importance of developing human capacity as a foundation for community and national development.
He said individuals who receive the right skills and opportunities are better positioned to improve their own lives while contributing to the advancement of others.
Hinneh also credited the Mama Marie Foundation for its partnership and commended the facilitators, lecturers, organizers, and supporters who contributed to the success of the training.
‘CERTIFICATE IS NOT THE END’
Addressing the 37 graduates, Hinneh challenged them to look beyond the certificates they received and focus on how they can apply their newly acquired skills.
He urged them to use their voices to educate, inspire, advocate for positive change, and create opportunities for others, while stressing the importance of purpose and integrity.
According to him, the true measure of the program will not simply be the number of people trained, but the impact those graduates make in their workplaces and communities.
“The training may be over, but the real work begins now,” he told the graduates.
The Voices of Change initiative is part of efforts by the two foundations to strengthen the capacity of young professionals and encourage them to play more active roles in community development and national discourse.
With 37 participants completing the program, organizers are now looking toward the graduates to put their communication and leadership skills into practice and become positive voices within their respective communities.
Hinneh concluded by encouraging the graduates to embrace their responsibility as emerging voices for change, emphasizing that stronger individual voices can contribute to stronger communities and, ultimately, a better Liberia.
