by Victor D. Quitee
Harper, Liberia – The Grace Puate and Bor Willie Tubman Foundation recently welcomed board member and supporter Valerie Tubman-Thomas for an official tour of its ongoing developmental projects and community programs across the county.
The visit highlighted the foundation’s expanding footprint in the region and Mrs. Tubman-Thomas’s personal commitment to her home roots.
Building a Hub for Progress
The tour commenced at the foundation’s Resource Center, which is currently under construction. Mrs. Tubman-Thomas observed the significant structural progress of the facility, which is slated to become a central hub for vocational learning and community empowerment.
As a proud daughter of Maryland County and an alumna of Our Lady of Fatima High School, she spoke candidly about the emotional weight of the project.
“I have always carried a passion to give back to my community,” she remarked. “Seeing the excitement and gratitude here makes my heart melt. It encourages me to do more. I am especially inspired by the dedication of the instructors and the drive of the students.”
Education as a Lifeline: Adult Literacy and Youth Programs
During a stop at the Adult Literacy Program hosted at Big Town Hall, Mrs. Tubman-Thomas met with students and educators to discuss the transformative power of second chances.
- A Fresh Start: She noted that many individuals whose education was interrupted by the civil war are finally finding a path back to literacy.
- A Message of Growth: “Without education, you have nothing,” she told the participants. “You are never too old to learn—learning is limitless. It improves lives and enables better decision-making.”
The program, currently serving over ten students, is led by Shem Jallayu (a student at Tubman University) alongside instructors Vivian Baotue and Grace Potee. Beneficiaries expressed deep appreciation for the initiative, citing it as a life-changing opportunity.
Mrs. Tubman-Thomas also visited the Kids Tutorial Program, where she emphasized the importance of “paying it forward.” She lauded the involvement of Tubman University students in the program, calling their community service “inspiring.” Her final message to the children was one of self-belief: “You are smart, and you can do it. Keep pushing and do your best.”
Coaching for the Future
The visit concluded at the Life Coaching Program, where Mrs. Tubman-Thomas engaged with Program Chair Prince Payne, coaches, and clients. She underscored the ethical pillars of the program:
- Respect
- Confidentiality
- Trust and Acceptance
“No condition is permanent,” she reminded the participants, urging them to remain focused on their personal growth and long-term goals.
Strengthening the Mission
The visit has left staff, volunteers, and beneficiaries with a renewed sense of purpose. By bridging the gap between infrastructure development and human capital, the Grace Puate and Bor Willie Tubman Foundation continues to solidify its mission: empowering the citizens of Maryland County through education, mentorship, and sustainable development.