Monrovia — The founder and Principal of the Jimmy Jolocon High School in Gradnersville has challenged citizens to demonstrate patriotism as a benchmark for posterity and development.

Mr. Emmanuel D. Weiah made the statement when he frowned upon the wrangles for jobs and cash demands by members of various factions.

The Liberian educator spoke at the campus of the school last Friday during programs marking the unveiling of a plaque and the dedication of a new auditorium at the school.

"Our young people have been taught nothing but violence, hatred and destruction now, it is time to change, demonstrating that Liberia does not need gravy seekers to mislead our children," Mr. Weiah pointed said.

He said young people should be given a chance to a better future through the development education and skills training programs.

Mr. Weiah said that education was key to the building of sustainable democracy, peace and economic growth in Liberia.

United States Embassy Public Affairs Officer Christina Porche stressed the need for motivation amongst the students as a mechanism to promote education and development.

Porche said the US Government was willing to support initiatives that were development oriented and pledged to collaborate with the administration of the Jimmy Jolocon High School in order to enhance learning condition for students.

The U.S. Embassy official was invited by the authority of the school to cut ribbons to the auditorium. The auditorium was constructed by the 2002/2003 Student Council Government, with funding from Action Aid-Liberia (AAL).

According to Action Aid-Liberia's Program Manager, Stephen Kolee, the project cost approximately US$8,000.00 and funded under his organization's democracy promotion program.