One-on-One with Liberia President Sirleaf
By Tracie Powell

Liberia’s “Iron Lady,” President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, was in Atlanta last month to deliver the commencement address at Spelman College and to accept an honorary degree from the historically Black all-women’s school. Before doing that, she took a few minutes to update Diverse on economic development and education issues that still face her country as well as to discuss her recent visit to the United States.

Diverse: You were at a fundraiser in Washington, D.C., with presidential candidate U.S. Sen. Hilary Clinton, D-N.Y. Will the money be used for Liberia’s girls’ education initiative?

Sirleaf: Hilary Clinton is kind enough to advocate and support the Liberian Education Trust. We launched this program to attract private financial support given the limitations in the government’s own budgetary resources. We call it the 50-500-5,000 plan. Its aim is to build or renovate 50 schools throughout the country, provide training to 500 teachers, which includes paying their training tuition costs and stipends as well as to provide 5,000 scholarships to girls annually.

Already, 16 schools have been built, 1,200 scholarships have been given and about 100 or more people have benefited from teacher training. Also as a part of that program, the government has launched a literacy program for the market women; teaching them how to read and write so that it will help them better carry out their trading businesses. That, too, helps out with our program for impacting girls. My position, as well as serving as a role model, I think, also helps to inspire and motivate them.

Diverse:  Why did you choose to deliver your first U.S. commencement addresses at historically Black colleges, Langston University and Spelman College?

Sirleaf: It sends a message about the importance of these institutions and the sacrifices that have been made by so many to enable them to continue to pursue the course of excellence, prepare African-Americans for full professionalism and for competition in this global world. And so my being a part of it just says that I’m happy for what they’ve been able to contribute. My endorsement and being a part of them just puts me where I want to be.