By: Gbayor Charles Gbayor | UMC News Gbarnga
Gbarnga-Bong County: In a move aimed at empowering Liberia’s future leaders, Bishop Samuel J. Quire Jr., President of the West Africa College of Bishops and Resident Bishop of the United Methodist Church of Liberia, has announced a scholarship initiative for young people within the church. The scholarships, which will cover Master’s and Doctoral degree programs, are part of a broader strategy for youth empowerment, institutional reform, growth, and reconciliation.
The announcement, made during a gathering in Gbarnga, Bong County, comes as part of Bishop Quire’s vision for a long-term, comprehensive intervention designed to address leadership challenges and promote growth within the church and the wider Liberian community. The initiative, known as the “Liberia Annual Conference Strategy and Programs Interventions for Young Empowerment,” seeks to provide robust support for the church’s emerging leaders, as well as foster institutional development and transformation.
Bishop Quire emphasized that the scholarship program is not just about providing financial assistance, but about laying the groundwork for sustainable leadership and the growth of Liberia’s youth. “Our administration will employ vigorous leadership empowerment programs in line with the Liberia Annual Conference strategy. These efforts aim to tackle the current leadership challenges and institutional needs, ensuring a better future for our youth,” he stated.
A Dual-Edge Program for Growth and Development
The scholarship program, part of a broader leadership development framework, is described by Bishop Quire as a “dual-edge portfolio.” It is designed to address both the immediate educational needs of young people while also focusing on the long-term structural development of the church. As part of this initiative, the church will focus on leadership training, sustainable capacity building for youth and young adult ministries, and the renovation of key church infrastructure.
One of the cornerstones of the program is the renovation and re-operationalization of the Stephen Trowen Nagbe Retreat Center. Bishop Quire explained that the retreat center would play a vital role in the spiritual and educational development of young people, providing a space for learning and growth. “We shall endeavor to work with the Department of Trust at all levels of the reconstruction framework of the White Plains Retreat Center,” he said, underscoring the importance of revitalizing key church facilities for the next generation.
Scholarships for Higher Education at Africa University and United Methodist University
Bishop Quire’s announcement also revealed that ten youths have already been awarded full scholarships to enroll at the prestigious Africa University in Zimbabwe. Additionally, more than 200 young people, drawn from the twenty-two districts across Liberia, have received scholarships to attend the United Methodist University in Monrovia. This initial wave of scholarships reflects Bishop Quire’s commitment to supporting the academic advancement of Liberia’s youth, and he envisions expanding the program further during his tenure.
“Before the end of our tenure, we anticipate providing more full scholarships for young people to pursue advanced Master’s and Doctoral degrees at national and international prestigious universities,” he stated, expressing his commitment to ensuring that more youth have access to higher education opportunities.
The Vision for a Stronger Church and Nation
Bishop Quire’s initiative is rooted in the belief that the future of the United Methodist Church in Liberia, and of the nation itself, is directly tied to the empowerment of the next generation. According to the Bishop, Liberia’s future is not secured through its material wealth or historical legacies alone, but through the intentional development of its youth leaders.
“The future of the church is not guaranteed in its current material possessions and historical legacies, but predicated upon our intentional efforts to secure the future through the empowerment and security of our next generation of leaders,” Bishop Quire emphasized. His statement underscores the importance of investing in young people, who will carry forward the work of the church and shape the direction of the nation.
In his address, Bishop Quire lamented the challenges facing young people in Liberia, including limited access to higher education and professional opportunities. He acknowledged that the church plays a critical role in addressing these challenges, both by providing financial support for education and by creating pathways for young people to assume leadership roles within the church and society at large.
Establishment of an Inter-Agency Committee for Resource Mobilization and Youth Development
To ensure the success of these initiatives, Bishop Quire announced the creation of an Inter-Agency Committee tasked with coordinating and overseeing the resource mobilization, administration, and youth development efforts associated with the scholarship program. The committee will be responsible for ensuring that resources are properly allocated and that the scholarships and development programs are effectively managed.
This committee will also be responsible for collaborating with national and international partners, as well as church organizations, to ensure the sustainability and expansion of the scholarship program. The creation of this committee demonstrates the bishop’s commitment to ensuring that his vision for youth empowerment is not only achieved but sustained over time.
A Call to Action for the Church and the Nation
Bishop Quire’s announcement serves as both a call to action for the church and a message of hope for Liberia’s youth. By investing in education and leadership development, the Bishop hopes to create a pipeline of future leaders who are not only equipped with the academic credentials necessary to succeed but also grounded in the values of the United Methodist Church.
As Liberia continues to face social, political, and economic challenges, initiatives like this scholarship program are crucial for the nation’s long-term development. By empowering young people through education and leadership opportunities, Bishop Quire is paving the way for a stronger church and a brighter future for Liberia.
As the scholarship program unfolds and more young Liberians take advantage of these opportunities, the United Methodist Church of Liberia is set to play an even more critical role in shaping the leaders of tomorrow. Through continued investment in education and empowerment, Liberia’s future remains in good hands, as young people rise to take on the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.