MONROVIA — The Principal and Executive Officer of the Booker T. Washington Institute (BWI), Dr. Nancy T. Freeman, has challenged graduates of the Ducor Ivy League International School System to become problem-solvers and agents of change as they transition into the wider society.
By J.H. Webster Clayeh websterclayeh@frontpageafricaonline.com
Dr. Freeman, the first female to serve as Principal and Executive Officer of BWI, delivered the challenge as a guest speaker at the fourth graduation ceremony of the Ducor Ivy League International School System, attended by school administrators, teachers, students, paren,ts and guardians.
Addressing the graduates, Dr. Freeman emphasized that education remains fundamental to the development of individuals and nations, describing it as a powerful instrument for personal growth, social transformation, and national development.
She stressed that the quality of education should not be measured solely by student enrollment figures, the number of classrooms constructed, or the certificates and diplomas awarded, but by learners’ ability to apply their knowledge and skills to real-life challenges.
“True quality education is measured by what learners know, what they can do, the values they demonstrate, and how effectively they apply their knowledge and skills to solve problems in society,” Dr. Freeman told the graduates.
“Students should not merely memorize information to pass examinations. They should understand what they learn and be able to apply it in their daily lives and future careers,” the BWI head stated.
Teachers Must Prepare Young Citizens
Dr. Freeman further identified the availability of qualified, competent, and dedicated teachers as a critical requirement for delivering quality education.
She noted that even the most impressive school infrastructure cannot guarantee meaningful learning in the absence of effective teaching and learning.
“Teachers are central to the learning process. They must do more than deliver lessons; they inspire learners, develop their talents, promote critical thinking, and prepare young people for responsible citizenship,” Dr. Freeman said.
“Quality education requires teachers who are professionally prepared, committed to their duties, respectful of learners, and willing to improve their teaching methods through continuous professional development. Education must equip learners with knowledge, practical skills, problem-solving abilities, creativity and sound moral values,” she further stated.
According to Dr. Freeman, the availability of appropriate learning materials and facilities is equally essential to ensuring quality education.
She cited textbooks, libraries, laboratories, workshops, digital learning resources, furniture, safe school buildings, and other instructional materials as important components of an effective learning environment.
“When teachers lack the necessary materials and students have limited opportunities to practice what they learn, the quality of education suffers,” she said.
Dr. Freeman also emphasized that ensuring quality education requires the collective efforts of government, educational institutions, communities, parents, and development partners.
She maintained that all stakeholders have a responsibility to ensure that schools receive the resources needed to support meaningful teaching and learning.
“Quality education is a shared responsibility. It cannot be achieved by teachers alone, nor can it be left entirely to government. It requires cooperation among all stakeholders,” Dr. Freeman disclosed.
Valedictorian Says Ducor Ivy League Became a Family.
Meanwhile, Tobi Richards, valedictorian of the fourth graduating class of the Ducor Ivy League International School System, expressed gratitude to the school’s administration, teachers, parents and guardians for their contributions to the graduates’ success.
Richards described the institution as more than an academic establishment, saying it had transformed members of the graduating class into a family.
Reflecting on their journey, she said the students entered the institution with different dreams, backgrounds, personalities, and expectations, accompanied by both confidence and fear.
“We came from different places, but we shared one destination: a successful future. We have shared laughter, tears, challenges, victories, and memories that will remain with us long after today,” she said.
“Ducor Ivy League was more than a school to us. It became our second home. Within these walls, we learned, grew, made mistakes, corrected ourselves and discovered more about who we are. Today, we stand here as 34 graduates, 34 dreamers, 34 individuals with different abilities and one unforgettable family,” Richards added.
The fourth graduating class comprises 34 students who, according to their valedictorian, leave the institution united by shared experiences and a common aspiration for a successful future.
About Ducor Ivy League
Founded by Mr. James K. Koiyan, the Ducor Ivy League International School System is a semi-nonprofit educational institution focused on science and technology.
The school is located in the Shara Community along Du-Port Road in Paynesville City, outside Monrovia.