By Amos Harris
MONROVIA, Liberia—Monrovia City Mayor John-Charuk Siafa has been honored by 27 beneficiaries of the Monrovia City Corporation’s (MCC) International Scholarship Program to the People’s Republic of China. The honor recognizes his commitment to human capital development.
At a formal ceremony held Friday in the City Hall conference room, the scholarship recipients presented the Mayor with a certificate of honor and a traditional gown. According to the students, the gesture symbolized their appreciation for his “relentless and meaningful vision” in creating opportunities for young Liberians to pursue higher education abroad.
In addition to Mayor Siafa, several MCC officials were also honored for their contributions to the scholarship program, including Mr. Pekeleh Gbuapaye, Director of International Affairs; Mr. Augustine Paylorde, Director of Compliance; and Madam Florence Dukuly Honore, Director of Waste Facilities.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, student J. Adolphus W. Swen thanked the Mayor for easing the financial burden on their families through the fully funded program. He described the scholarship as a life-changing opportunity and pledged that the students would represent Liberia with dignity.
“To Mayor John-Charuk Siafa, we say thank you for your tireless efforts to improve Liberia. Your leadership and care for young people give us hope and inspiration,” Swen stated. “We promise to do our best, work hard, and make this nation proud.” The beneficiaries further praised the Mayor and the vetting committee for ensuring a transparent selection process, free of favoritism or vested interests.
In response, Mayor Siafa expressed gratitude to President Joseph N. Boakai for initiating high-level discussions during the 2024 Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), which he said has already yielded tangible results for Monrovia’s youth. He also thanked the Governor and the Provincial Government of Guizhou, China, for their strong partnership and support.
The Mayor cautioned the scholarship recipients to remain disciplined while abroad, stressing that their conduct in China would directly reflect on Liberia’s image. “China has strict laws and a highly respected culture. Please take care of yourselves, be law-abiding, and focus on your studies. We wish you the best of luck and look forward to seeing the results,” Mayor Siafa advised.
The 27 students are expected to depart Monrovia for Guizhou Province on Monday, September 15, 2025.
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