DEMEH, Bomi County – House Speaker Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa has emphasized the need for increased support for the children of Liberia to better prepare them for future leadership roles.
Speaking at the 16th anniversary event of the Children’s Dialogue held in Demeh, Bomi County on Saturday, Speaker Koffa urged a collective effort in nurturing human capacity, highlighting the importance of initiatives like the Children’s Dialogue.
Speaking at the 16th anniversary event of the Children’s Dialogue held in Demeh, Bomi County, Speaker Koffa urged a collective effort in nurturing human capacity, highlighting the importance of initiatives like the Children’s Dialogue.
“Liberia, despite its age, lags behind many countries due to a lack of human capacity. Our ability to develop our people is crucial, and this is exactly what initiatives like the Children’s Dialogue aim to achieve,” stated Speaker Koffa.
Addressing the children directly, he emphasized their importance and the collective responsibility to support and mentor them for future leadership roles. He commended the efforts of veteran journalist Varney Gbessay, who founded the Children’s Dialogue in 2008 as a platform to mentor young Liberians and amplify their voices nationally and internationally.
The Children’s Dialogue, through its television program, has mentored numerous children who have gone on to become leaders and scholars, some serving in government roles and others pursuing higher education locally and abroad.
To mark its 16th anniversary, the Children’s Dialogue organized a vibrant program in Demeh to raise funds for a resource center in the town. Speaker Koffa, expressing his delight at being invited, made a personal donation of US$2,000 and pledged an additional US$10,000 from his colleagues to support the construction project.
Demeh holds significance as the hometown of renowned Liberian author, folklorist, and poet Bai T. Moore, whose legacy Speaker Koffa honored during the event.
Speaker Koffa was accompanied by fellow lawmakers Reps. Samuel Enders (District #6, Montserrado County) and Bernard Benson (District #17, Montserrado County), both of whom pledged their support to the Children’s Dialogue initiative.
The members of the Children’s Dialogue, along with founder Varney Gbessay, expressed gratitude to Speaker Koffa for attending despite personal challenges. Christiana S. Tamba, the Children’s spokesperson, praised Speaker Koffa’s commitment to the development of Liberian youth, describing him as a true national leader who embodies hope for the future and demonstrates unwavering support for initiatives like the Children’s Dialogue.
