Mitman Tells Students as Yarkpawolo Public School Celebrates 20 Graduates
GOMUE TOWN, Bong County – Award-winning author and filmmaker Prof. Gregg Mitman has challenged graduates of Yarkpawolo Public School to dream big, telling them that determination, hard work, and education can transform lives and entire communities—a lesson he witnessed firsthand when a young refugee’s vision became a reality.
Delivering the keynote address at the school’s 6th Graduation and Fundraising Ceremony on July 19, 2026, Mitman recalled visiting the area fourteen years ago with Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo, then a young man with little more than a nursery of oil palm seedlings and a dream to build a school.
“Today, that dream has become a reality,” Mitman told the graduates. “The palm trees have grown, they are producing fruit, and this school is now educating more than one hundred children.”
Dr. Yarkpawolo, now Executive Director of Liberia’s Environmental Protection Agency, founded the school in 2018 after starting his own education at nearly 14 years old while living as a refugee in Guinea. He holds a Ph.D. and returned to his home region to create opportunities for children who, like him, once had none.
During the ceremony, Principal Mark N. Yourkpo reported that 115 students completed the 2025–2026 academic year, with 106 promoted to the next grade and 20 students graduating from Grade 6. The school recorded a pre-enrollment of 125 students, with 120 officially registered.
Outstanding performers recognized included Linda Numue (ABC), Esther Cooper (K1), Prince Togbah (K2), Solomon Kolliboe and Armstrong Koligoe (Grade 2), King Jumae (Grade 3), and Joseph Junmoe (Grade 5).
Dr. Yarkpawolo, addressing the gathering, congratulated the graduates and thanked parents for their sacrifices. “Education is one of the greatest investments parents can make in the future of their children,” he said, urging continued encouragement of students.
Long-serving educator Mr. Joseph Urey also spoke, encouraging graduates to respect their teachers and parents and to strive for excellence, while parent representative Mr. Sackie Mator expressed gratitude for the school, noting that children no longer have to travel long distances to receive an education.
Located in Gomue Town, Zota District, Bong County, Yarkpawolo Public School serves children from Gormu and neighboring communities including Killingan, Malangan, Bellelah, Nyensue, and Urey Village, offering classes from ABC through Grade Six.
At the school’s 5th graduation ceremony in 2025, UNDP Resident Representative Aliu M. Dia announced UNDP’s support to complete the school project.
