Monrovia — Youth Entrepreneurship and Investment Bank Management Company (YEIB-MANCO) Chief Executive Officer Joseph Fatorma Sando has challenged Liberian graduates to turn their education into entrepreneurial opportunities, practical solutions and meaningful service to their communities.
By Patience Jones
Sando said academic qualifications alone were insufficient to guarantee success, urging young people to apply their knowledge to address societal challenges, create opportunities and contribute to Liberia’s development.
He made the call on Saturday, October 17, when he delivered the keynote address at the graduation and closing ceremony of St. James Foundation Elementary, Junior and Senior High School in Peace Community, Upper Caldwell, Montserrado County. More than 50 students graduated from the institution.
Speaking on the theme “Beyond the Diploma,” Sando outlined five principles he said should guide the graduates as they transition from secondary education to higher learning, entrepreneurship and professional life: continuous learning, integrity, problem-solving, resilience and community service.
Education Must Translate Into Impact
Sando told the graduates that completing high school should mark the beginning of a lifelong commitment to learning, rather than the end of their educational journey.
He encouraged them to cultivate the habit of reading, acquiring new skills and pursuing excellence in whatever careers they choose.
“The world is fast-changing, and only those who remain curious and committed to excellence will remain relevant,” he said, urging the graduates to make excellence a defining feature of their work.
Whether pursuing careers in medicine, teaching, business, agriculture or other fields, he said, young people should strive to perform their responsibilities to the highest standard.
The YEIB-MANCO chief executive also emphasized integrity, warning that academic certificates without good character could undermine a person’s prospects for lasting success.
He urged the graduates to remain honest and trustworthy, even when doing so becomes difficult or unpopular, arguing that integrity builds the trust necessary for personal and professional advancement.
‘Be a Solution, Not a Problem’
Sando challenged the Class of 2026 to become problem-solvers who identify challenges in their communities and develop practical responses.
He said Liberia needs young people who can use their education and creativity to address local problems instead of merely complaining about them.
According to him, communities across the country face challenges that require innovation, initiative and the active participation of educated young people.
He also cautioned the graduates against allowing setbacks and disappointments to derail their ambitions.
Acknowledging that life after high school would present difficulties, Sando encouraged them to develop resilience, remain determined and continue pursuing their goals despite rejection or failure.
“You will be disappointed, you will fail at times, you will be rejected, but never surrender,” he said, stressing that the ability to recover from setbacks is essential to achieving long-term goals.
Calls for Community Service and Entrepreneurship
Sando further urged the graduates to embrace entrepreneurship, discipline and patriotism, emphasizing that education should benefit not only individuals but also the wider society.
He encouraged them to give back to Peace Community, Upper Caldwell, and Liberia through volunteering, mentoring younger people and participating in community development initiatives.
He said the value of education should also be measured by how graduates use their knowledge and skills to improve the lives of others.
Sando added that Liberia’s development depends partly on a generation of young people who are skilled, ethical, innovative and willing to serve their country.
School Honors Sando for Support to Students
In recognition of his contributions to the institution and its students, the administration and faculty of St. James Foundation Elementary, Junior and Senior High School presented Sando with an academic gown during a special ceremony.
The presentation, which was met with applause from parents, students and community leaders, was conducted by the school’s principal and senior faculty members.
The administration described Sando as a supportive partner and friend of the institution, citing his financial, moral, spiritual and academic assistance to students, particularly children from less privileged backgrounds in Peace Community.
School officials said his continued involvement and encouragement had contributed to efforts to support the education and development of young Liberians.
Responding to the honor, Sando expressed gratitude to the administration and faculty, describing the recognition as humbling and motivating.
He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting education and youth empowerment in Liberia.
The ceremony brought together parents, teachers, community leaders, and other well-wishers to celebrate the graduates’ achievements and encourage them as they prepare for the next stage of their lives.
The program concluded with the presentation of certificates and awards to students recognized for academic performance and good conduct. The class valedictorian delivered a vote of thanks on behalf of the graduating class.