As ArcelorMittal Liberia gears up to roll out its massive Phase-II Expansion Project, which promises to help uplift Liberia’s economic landscape by creating jobs and driving the government’s ARREST Agenda, a remarkable success story emerges from the remotest corners.
This story is not just about mining or economic expansion; it’s a testament to resilience, opportunity, and the transformative power of corporate social responsibility.
Ferrison Saye Andrews, a native of Yarwin Mehnsonnoh Statutory District in Nimba County, one of several communities affected by ArcelorMittal Liberia’s operations, has become the first individual from his district to earn a Master’s Degree in Mining Engineering.
ArcelorMittal Liberia fully funded Andrew’s education.
“I started my primary education in Laitoin and later moved to Garr in the Mehnsonnoh Administrative District. Life was tough; I survived with the help of my poor grandmother and had to set traps for animals to pay my school fees. My prayerful parents couldn’t support me financially, but I remained focused and determined to achieve my dreams,” he shared.
His path took him to Monrovia, where he got involved in commercial motorbike riding to make ends meet and continue his education. Little did he know his years of perseverance would culminate in a scholarship from ArcelorMittal Liberia, which enabled him to earn a Master’s Degree in Mining Engineering from a prestigious Ghanaian university.
During the live interview, simulcast on several radio stations across Nimba County, including Radio Voice of Yarwin Mehnsonnoh 99.1FM, Andrews’s parents called in to express their profound gratitude to ArcelorMittal Liberia.
“This opportunity has changed our lives. Our son’s success is not just his own but a victory for our entire community,” they said.
“Today, ArcelorMittal Liberia has made my dreams a reality,” Andrews remarked. “I am hopeful that the company will continue to engage and integrate scholars like myself to contribute meaningfully to the mining sector and the nation.”
Andrews’s achievement has sparked hope across Yarwin Mehnsonnoh Statutory District and beyond.
As the first person in his district to hold such an academic qualification, he is a role model for countless young Liberians aspiring to rise above their circumstances. His journey highlights the importance of determination, hard work, and the transformative power of access to quality education.
Andrews’s story is a call to action for stakeholders across Liberia. It challenges corporate entities, policymakers, and communities to prioritize human capital development as a cornerstone of national growth.
It also inspires individuals to pursue their dreams relentlessly, knowing that with hard work and the right support, even the most ambitious goals can be achieved.
