Labor Minister wants career mentorship for students

Emmanuel K. Barnes says student career mentorship should be prioritized because they are the next generation of leaders.

By Lewis S. Teh

Monrovia, May 6, 2024: Assistant Labor Minister for Planning and Manpower Development Emmanuel K. Barnes has pleaded for career mentorship for students to save Liberia’s future.

Speaking recently in Logan Town on Bushrod Island, Mr. Barnes urged the St. Matthew United Methodist High School Alumni Association (ASMUMSA) to save the future of Liberia.

He pleaded with ASMUMSA to prioritize career mentorship for the institution’s students, whom he said are the next generation of leaders.

“Today, as you celebrate your 17th homecoming anniversary as alumni of this school, I urge you to save the future of Liberia and prioritize career mentorship for the younger ones who are next in line to leaders of Liberia,” said Mr. Barnes.

He stated that it is incumbent upon the alumni to provide career mentorship for the younger ones who are the country’s emerging leaders rather than just celebrating homecoming every year.

He delivered a keynote address on the theme: Progress In Unity” and encouraged ASMUMSA members to do away with hosting mere events every year and be more programmatic for the association’s growth.

“If you must contribute to the growth of this country, it’s incumbent upon you to be more robust in organizing programs that will lead to development rather than just events,” he continued.

He suggested that the school’s alumni association can only move forward and hold together when the members take ownership of the association and do not see it as an obligation of those spearheading it.

He indicated that the first step in progressing through unity is for the ASMUMSA leadership to take ownership and make the institution vibrant.

For his part, ASMUMSA president J. Rudy Fanciah said the association was established in 2006 to give back to the institution that set the pace for its students to become useful citizens in the country.

Fanciah explained that the significance of the homecoming celebration was to reflect on the gains made by the association.

“We’re celebrating this event today to evaluate our progress, to determine what is right and what is wrong, and to find solutions to correct the wrong,” he said.

The celebration began with a grand parade throughout the streets of Logan Town and later ended with a fundraising program during the indoor event.

The program included basketball, kickball, and football between the association members and current students.