LICOSESS Boss Benjamin Wehyee Wins USAID- Liberia Best Teacher Award  

MONROVIA: The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has awarded the President of the Liberian Cooperative Standard Education School System (LICOSESS) Professor Benjamin Wehyee as the best teacher of the year. 

LICOSESS is one of Liberia’s leading teacher training institutions headed by a group of Liberian professional teachers and administrators. Since its establishment, the institution continues to buttress the effort of the Ministry of Education to support the school system with qualified and well-prepared teachers and administrators to teach at both primary and secondary school levels in Liberia. 

The honor was bestowed upon the Liberian educator at USAID’s Liberia Development Award for 2023, recognizing and celebrating Liberians whose commitment and accomplishments provide compelling examples for advancing Liberia's development. 

Making remarks, the USAID Teacher of the Year winner revealed plans to utilize the award to further advance the cause of education in Liberia

Below is the full speech

Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed guests, and fellow contributors to the education sector, I am deeply honored and humbled to receive the Liberia Development Award from USAID. This award holds a special place in my heart as it not only recognizes the efforts of individuals but also symbolizes the collective dedication towards the advancement of education in Liberia.

As I stand before you today, I cannot help but reflect on my humble beginnings, which serve as a constant reminder of the transformative power of education. Growing up, my family faced the difficult decision of choosing which of their two sons to send to a "good" school, as financial constraints made it impossible to afford both of us receiving quality education simultaneously. Witnessing the sacrifices made by my parents, particularly my father, instilled in me a deep-rooted appreciation for the value of education and the opportunities it can provide.

Over the years, my unwavering commitment has been dedicated to ensuring that no parent should ever have to deny their child a quality education due to financial limitations. I firmly believe that every child deserves access to a school with dedicated and trained teachers, as it is the foundation for a brighter future and a prosperous society. Through this award, I am reminded of the importance of our collective efforts in creating a more equitable and inclusive education system for all.

As I contemplate the significance of this honor, I am compelled to consider how I can utilize this award to further advance the cause of education in Liberia. Firstly, I intend to leverage the visibility and recognition associated with this award to raise awareness about the critical need for accessible and quality education across the nation. Secondly, I aim to use the resources and networks available through this award to collaborate with like-minded individuals and organizations, with the shared goal of implementing impactful initiatives that improve educational standards and opportunities. Lastly, I am committed to using this platform to inspire and empower the next generation of educators, leaders, and change-makers, fostering a culture of innovation, resilience, and dedication within the education sector.

In closing, I extend my deepest gratitude to USAID and the esteemed panel of judges for this prestigious recognition. I am truly honored to be among the exceptional individuals who have dedicated their lives to the betterment of education in Liberia. Let us continue to work together, driven by our shared passion for education, as we strive to build a brighter, more promising future for the generations to come.

Thank you.