By Rancy S. Teewia
MONROVIA, June 28, (LINA) – The Booker Washington Institute, BWI, will honor Senator Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence during its 97th Founders’ Day anniversary for sponsoring more than 100 students and funding teachers to return to school for higher education.
BWI Chief Education Officer and Principal, Dr. Nancy T. Freeman, made the disclosure Thursday, June 23, 2026, at the Ministry of Information regular press conference in Monrovia.
Dr. Freeman said Sen. Karnga-Lawrence operates the largest scholarship scheme at the institution. More than 100 students are currently on full scholarship, while several BWI teachers are also receiving sponsorship to upgrade their academic qualifications.
Dr. Freeman further explained that the senator’s scholarship program has reduced dropout rates and strengthened teaching at BWI.
Sen. Karnga-Lawrence was first elected to the Legislature on May 9, 2013, as Senator for Grand Bassa County in a by-election following the death of Sen. John Francis Whitfield. She was re-elected to a full nine-year term in December 2020. She currently serves as President Pro Tempore of the Liberian Senate, the first democratically elected woman to hold that position.
Dr. Freeman at the same time announced that other top government officials will be honored, including the Minister of Finance and Development Planning and the Minister of Information, Jerolinmek Matthew Piah.
She said the anniversary program will include a thanksgiving service and awards ceremony for individuals and partners contributing to technical and vocational education in Liberia.
BWI, founded on June 29, 1929, will use the 97th anniversary to celebrate alumni and partners investing in technical education.