MONROVIA, Liberia – The Institute of Climate Change and Health Research (ICCHR) on Saturday, July 4, celebrated the graduation of its first cohort of students, marking a significant milestone in its mission to develop early-career researchers and problem solvers for Liberia’s national development.
Held at the Liberian Learning Center under the theme “The Pioneers,”the graduation honored the first graduating class, named “PONOFALO,” a local expression meaning “Light Cannot Be Hidden.” The ceremony brought together officials from government ministries, development partners, educators, facilitators, parents, members of the media, and distinguished guests.
Delivering the keynote address, ICCHR Founder and Executive Director Forkpah Pewee reflected on the institution’s journey since its establishment on November 1, 2024. He explained that the institute deliberately postponed academic activities until it secured the necessary legal registration and operational accreditation from the Ministry of Education, ensuring that all certificates and diplomas awarded would be nationally recognized.
Pewee said ICCHR was founded to address Liberia’s shortage of early-career researchers and technical professionals capable of solving real-world challenges.
“Students do not go to school simply to earn degrees; they go to school to solve problems,” he said. “ICCHR exists to develop researchers and problem solvers who will contribute to national development.”
He noted that the institute currently has 25 facilitators, including two PhD holders, five doctoral candidates, and master’s degree holders, with more than 98 percent of its faculty under the age of 36, reflecting the growing role of young professionals in shaping Liberia’s education sector.
According to Pewee, ICCHR’s training model emphasizes practical learning, with 60 percent of instruction dedicated to fieldwork, research projects, critical thinking exercises, and practical assignments, while 40 percent focuses on classroom theory. Students complete weekly practical activities designed to strengthen analytical and problem-solving skills for addressing national development challenges.
The Executive Director also announced that ICCHR has launched its official website, where graduation programs and graduate records are published. To protect the integrity of its academic credentials, all certificates now contain QR codes that link directly to graduates’ verified academic records online, making credential verification quick and secure.
Beyond climate change and health research, ICCHR offers training in monitoring and evaluation, data analysis, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and climate-related studies, with both local and international facilitators delivering instruction through in-person and virtual platforms.
Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Deputy Minister for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Laraamand S. Nyonton, congratulated the graduates and challenged them to become ambassadors of the institution.
“You entered this institution as seekers of knowledge,” Nyonton said. “Today, you leave as architects of solutions.”
Using the class name PONOFALO as inspiration, he reminded graduates that “light cannot be hidden,” urging them to use research and data to improve communities and influence national policy.
Nyonton stressed that Liberia faces a significant shortage of current research data, particularly in the youth sector, noting that much of the information guiding policy decisions is outdated.
“Our country needs updated evidence to make informed decisions,” he said. “You are the new generation of researchers who must fill that gap.”
He further encouraged graduates to approach research with courage, compassion, and integrity while ensuring that data always serves the interests of vulnerable communities.
Also addressing the ceremony through his Chief of Office Staff, Timothy R. Yoko, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Executive Director Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo called on graduates to become leaders in confronting Liberia’s growing climate and environmental challenges.
In his message, Dr. Yarkpawolo warned that climate change is already affecting Liberia through coastal erosion, flooding, changing rainfall patterns, rising temperatures, declining agricultural productivity, and increasing public health risks.
“The Environmental Protection Agency firmly believes that protecting the environment is fundamentally about protecting people,” the statement read. “Healthy ecosystems sustain healthy communities.”
He emphasized that environmental sustainability remains essential for public health, food security, economic growth, and the well-being of future generations, while reaffirming the Liberian Government’s commitment to strengthening climate resilience through sound environmental governance, biodiversity conservation, pollution prevention, and climate adaptation.
Dr. Yarkpawolo also highlighted the importance of partnerships among government institutions, research organizations, civil society, academia, and development partners in addressing Liberia’s environmental challenges.
Commending ICCHR for investing in research and professional development, he encouraged graduates to uphold professionalism, embrace innovation, and use their knowledge to advance environmental stewardship, public health, and sustainable national development.
The graduation ceremony concluded with the presentation of certificates to members of ICCHR’s first graduating class, symbolizing the beginning of a new generation of researchers committed to evidence-based solutions for Liberia’s future.
