MONROVIA, Liberia, October 23, 2026: Liberian educator Hester Williams has written a new book chronicling the childhood experiences of former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and how her upbringing, education and determination helped shape her journey to becoming Africa’s first democratically elected female head of state.
Titled Ellen the Child Who Grew Up to Be Great, the book explores Sirleaf’s early life in Monrovia, highlighting the family values, childhood activities and educational experiences that contributed to her personal development and eventual rise to national and international prominence.
The publication seeks to inspire young people, particularly girls, to recognize their potential and pursue their ambitions through education, discipline, perseverance and self-confidence.
According to the book, Sirleaf’s childhood was marked by ordinary family activities, including playing sports and traditional games, helping in the family garden, assisting her mother with cooking and dedicating time to her studies.
Williams portrays these experiences as important foundations for the leadership qualities Sirleaf would later demonstrate during her political career.
The book emphasizes that leadership development begins at an early age and that lessons learned at home, in school and through everyday interactions can influence an individual’s future.
Sirleaf made history in 2005 when she won Liberia’s presidential election, becoming the country’s first female president and the first woman democratically elected to lead an African nation.
She was inaugurated on January 16, 2006, and served two six-year terms before leaving office on January 22, 2018.
Her election came as Liberia struggled to recover from 14 years of civil conflict that devastated the economy, destroyed infrastructure and weakened public institutions.
During her administration, Sirleaf prioritized postwar reconstruction, economic recovery, peace and security, education, healthcare and foreign investment.
Among the major achievements of her presidency was the cancellation of nearly US$5 billion in Liberia’s external debt, which eased the country’s financial burden and supported efforts to restore economic stability.
Her government also pursued the rehabilitation of roads, electricity infrastructure, schools and healthcare facilities as part of broader national reconstruction efforts.
Internationally, Sirleaf emerged as a prominent advocate for women’s empowerment, gender equality and increased female participation in political leadership.
In 2011, she jointly received the Nobel Peace Prize with Liberian peace activist Leymah Gbowee and Yemeni activist Tawakkol Karman for their nonviolent struggle for women’s safety and their right to participate fully in peacebuilding.
However, her presidency was also marked by criticism over allegations of corruption and nepotism, persistent poverty, unemployment and concerns about the pace of improvements in living conditions.
The 2014–2016 Ebola epidemic further challenged her administration, placing severe pressure on Liberia’s healthcare system and economy. Declining global commodity prices also contributed to economic difficulties during the latter years of her presidency.
Despite these challenges, Sirleaf’s election remains a defining milestone in Liberia’s political history and the advancement of women in African leadership.
Through Ellen the Child Who Grew Up to Be Great, Williams presents the former president’s childhood journey as an example of how early education, family guidance, determination and personal development can help shape future leaders.
The book, currently on sale on Amazon and at the Stella Maris bookstore in Liberia for US5.00, also reinforces the message that children, regardless of their backgrounds, can aspire to positions of leadership and make meaningful contributions to society.
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