By: Sampat JMB Kpakimah
The Chief Executive Officer of the Charles Ujay Garyezon Training Institute, Charles Garyezon, has called on young people to take responsibility for transforming their communities through skills development and service to society.
Speaking Saturday, May 30, 2026, during the graduation ceremony of 75 students in Musa Town, Charlesville, Lower Margibi County, Garyezon described the occasion as a remarkable achievement for the youth. “Today is a remarkable day for young people. It is not about us. We may not have all the finances, but we can contribute whenever the opportunity arises. This is the time for young people to take responsibility and give back to society,” he said.
Garyezon explained that the initiative originated from a proposal by Rogers Rogers, whom he initially met as a stranger through social media. According to him, Rogers shared the idea of creating opportunities that would help develop the minds and skills of young men and women, a vision he readily embraced.
“When Rogers reached out to me, I saw it as an opportunity to empower young people. There was no one to help him implement the proposal, so I decided to support the initiative because I believe it is young people who will transform and change the narrative of this country,” he stated.
He acknowledged that the process was challenging, noting that dedicating time and resources to the development of others requires commitment and sacrifice. Garyezon disclosed that organizers initially anticipated enrolling 60 students, but due to overwhelming interest from community members, the number had to be increased.
“You never truly know the importance of an opportunity until it is presented. There are many people who lack driving skills. We are developing responsible young people who can give back to society,” he added.
According to him, the success of the program has attracted interest from other communities seeking similar initiatives.
Addressing the graduates, Garyezon emphasized that driving is more than operating a vehicle.
“You are not simply graduating; you are being entrusted with the lives of others. Driving is not just about the vehicle it is about saving lives. Drive with care and remain focused whenever you are behind the steering wheel,” he cautioned.
He further highlighted the lack of employment opportunities for many qualified Liberians, especially in rural communities, where some companies hire foreign drivers while residents remain unemployed.
“RIA is here, and you are from Charlesville. Opportunities should be given to local people so they can contribute to the development of their communities. When people are empowered, communities become safer and stronger,” he said.
Garyezon praised the graduates for their maturity, commitment, and progress throughout the training period and commended the instructors and staff for their dedication and patience. He assured participants that the institution intends to expand the initiative to other communities across Margibi County, stressing that the program is driven solely by a desire to empower young people and is not politically motivated.
“Our vision is to help others. This is not about politics. It is about investing in and empowering the minds of young people,” he noted. He also disclosed plans to introduce additional vocational training opportunities, including sewing, soap-making, tie-dye production, and other skills-development programs.
Meanwhile, the Dux of the graduating class, Willimena Hunter, described the occasion as more than the awarding of certificates. “It is not just about receiving a certificate; it is about hard work, patience, and discipline. Discipline can take you anywhere from the classroom to the driver’s seat and into the future,” she said.
Hunter thanked the instructors, classmates, and family members who supported her throughout the training process. She revealed that she knew little about vehicles before enrolling at the institution.
“Driving is not about moving a vehicle from one point to another. It is about judgment, responsibility, and respect for other road users and every life around us,” she stated.
According to her, students were taught much more than gear changes and road signs.
“At the Charles Ujay Garyezon Training Institute, we were taught discipline, punctuality, vehicle inspection, adherence to procedures, and the importance of doing the right thing even when no one is watching,” she said.
Speaking on behalf of the graduates, Hunter expressed appreciation to the management and organizers of the program. “You did not just teach us how to drive; you taught us how to conduct ourselves with integrity,” she remarked. She encouraged her fellow graduates to continue learning, remain disciplined, and use their newly acquired skills to build their lives while serving their communities.
Providing the background of the program, Administrator Rogers disclosed that a total of 75 students graduated, comprising 56 males and 19 females. Also speaking, the Youth Chairman of Charlesville, Augustine Tamba, expressed appreciation for the initiative and praised organizers for bringing practical skills training to the community.
“These are the types of initiatives we want to see. We want people who will teach us how to fish, not simply give us fish,” Tamba said. He encouraged the graduates to celebrate their achievement, noting that professional drivers play an important role in society.
“Drivers are not ordinary people. Without drivers, many prominent individuals would not be able to move around and conduct their daily activities,” he said.
Tamba further appealed to Garyezon and his team to introduce more development-oriented programs within the township, pledging the community’s support for initiatives that equip residents with sustainable skills.
As part of the ceremony, Charles Garyezon was honored by the Student Council Government, which presented him with traditional attire in recognition of his sacrifices, dedication, and contributions toward empowering young people through skills training.
