The Rural Liberia Human Development Initiatives (RLHDI) has launched the Dr. Donzell Lee Scholarship Program in Gbarnga, Bong County, to expand educational opportunities for vulnerable and deserving students across Liberia. Speaking at the weekend ceremony, former Liberian Ambassador to the United States, Mexico, and Canada, Jeremiah Sulunteh, said the initiative seeks to ease financial burdens on students while fostering human capital development in rural communities. He emphasized that the scholarship would not only support tuition but also empower young people to pursue their dreams and contribute to Liberia’s national growth.
During the launch, Ambassador Sulunteh recounted his long-standing friendship with Dr Donzell Lee, President of Chocolatology in Mississippi, USA. Their partnership, he explained, began in 2012 when Dr. Lee was vice president of Alcorn University and he, as Ambassador, delivered a keynote address at the institution. Sulunteh revealed that he had converted his $11,000 honorarium from the event into a scholarship fund, laying the foundation for their shared vision to support Liberian students.
According to the former ambassador, the program will be guided by transparency and merit. Applicants must be Liberians, aged between 18 and 35, and demonstrate a strong academic record. Beneficiaries must also maintain a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.7 each semester to remain on the scholarship.
At the launch, the former Liberian Ambassador, on behalf of Dr. Lee disbursed 400,000 Liberian Dollars to 50 students as initial support for their first semester fees. He stressed that the program is not political and called on recipients to make maximum use of the opportunity by excelling academically and giving back to their communities.
For his part, Bong County Education Officer David Boakai praised the initiative as a crucial step in bridging the educational gap faced by rural youth. He described it as a lifeline for students who often abandon their studies due to financial constraints.
Meanwhile, beneficiaries expressed gratitude during the ceremony, held on the campus of Bong County Technical College (BCTC). One of the recipients, Naomie Cooper, commended Dr. Lee and Ambassador Sulunteh for the opportunity, calling the scholarship a “total relief”. She assured organizers that she and her colleagues would do everything possible to meet the required GPA and sustain their places in the program. Dr Donzell Lee Scholarship Program will begin providing tuition support immediately and is expected to expand in the coming semesters to reach more students across Liberia.
Contact Jacob Kermue jacobkermue4@gmail.com 0775187091 / 0775187091
