By New Dawn

Copyright thenewdawnliberia

By Lewis S. Teh

Monrovia, Liberia; September 29, 2025 – The President of the University of Liberia Faculty Association (ULFA), Prof. Dr. Edna G. Johnny, has admonished graduates of Gonet Academy to remain steadfast as they step into the larger society and not let fear overtake them.

“Do not allow fear to rob you of your future; failure is not the end; it is often the best way to discover your path. Every failed experiment brings you closer to success”, Dr. Johnny said.

She was speaking at the weekend, while delivering a keynote address to the Cohort 12 graduating class of Gonet Academy. “Your being here today shows resilience. It shows fortitude. It shows that you are people committed to perseverance, she added.

“Ladies, I especially congratulate you. Yes, we face many challenges as women, but we remain resilient, determined not to be left behind.” We are taking ownership of our achievements and building success on our own terms.

She told the graduates that each of them had come to the institution with different goals, aspirations, and challenges, but today they had completed their academic journey.

“Every graduate here has acquired the training and discipline to succeed. The next step is reflection. Ask yourself: Who am I? What do I want? What do I want to do after graduation? What kind of person do I want to be?”

She said the surest thing is that each of them does not want to remain the same, and that is why they are seeking changes in their lives and careers, but quoted the late U.S. Civil Rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., as saying, ‘Change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability but comes through continuous struggle.’

“Greatness and potential”, she noted, “are unlocked through struggle and a determination to drive change.”

She encouraged the graduates to be prepared and focused, saying, “You are the ones who will drive change for your families, for your communities, and for Liberia.”

She also said that women normally take bold steps, but too often, what holds them back is fear, especially fear of failure, noting that many graduates hesitate to apply for jobs or pursue opportunities because they feel unqualified, fear, rejection, or worry about embarrassment. Others hide their talents because they are afraid of being laughed at.

“When I returned from my master’s program, I was asked to present research findings on Liberia’s minimum wage to the government, even before President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. I was terrified, afraid of failing and embarrassing myself. I made excuses. But eventually, I prayed, with focus and determination, I made it, and the University of Liberia benefited.”

She urged the graduates to remember that if they want something they never had, they must do something that they’ve never done.

“Imagine being on your deathbed, surrounded by the ‘ghosts’ of unfulfilled potential dreams you never pursued, talents you never shared. They would ask you: ‘Why didn’t you use us? Why are we going with you to the grave? Do not let fear rob you of your future. Failure is not the end; it is often the best way to discover your path. Every failed experiment brings you closer to success. You have invested heavily in your education, and others have also invested in you. Liberia needs your talent and your energy.”

In remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of Gonet Academy, Mohammed Kerkulah, said as a forward-thinking institution, the Academy’s mission deeply aligns with this global, national, regional, and continental agenda.

Mr. Kerkulah noted that Gonet Academy’s commitment to continuous professional development responds directly to the global call for inclusive learning ecosystems that equip individuals with the skills to adapt and lead in a complex, changing world, highlighting the power of Gonet Academy.

He said that when it comes to this critical moment, Gonet Academy’s ambition is to be the premier centre for continual professional development, not just in Liberia, but also in the entire West African region and on the African continent.“We are committed to equipping individuals with the practical skills, knowledge, and tools required to thrive in today’s dynamic job market.”

According to him, since its inception, the Academy has empowered and trained over 5,000 professionals through short-term, career-focused, and professional programs.He highlights various sectors critical to sustainable development in Liberia, including monitoring and evaluation, project management, procurement and contract management, resource management, information and communication technology, business, finance, communication, entrepreneurship, and leadership, among others.Driven by a belief in the transformative power of education, Gonet Academy was founded with a bold vision to build human capacity, unlock individual potential, and empower professionals and young people through accessible and resource-driven learning opportunities.

As Liberia seeks to strengthen its human capital and respond to a rapidly evolving labor market, Gonet Academy aims to be at the forefront, responding to workforce demand, fostering entrepreneurship, and contributing to inclusive development across various sectors and communities. Editing by Jonathan Browne