Liberia Government (Monrovia)
30 April 2008
Monrovia — President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has dedicated the James K. and Eunice Mathews Bridge Builder Award to the women and children of Liberia.
She received the award today at the General Conference of the United Methodist Church being held in Fort Worth, Texas, U.S.A., from April 23-May 2, 2008. The Conference is held once every four years.
The James K. and Eunice Mathews Bridge Builder Award was created to honor a person who has played a significant role in building global community and dismantling barriers that separate people. The Liberian leader received the award from Bishop William Oden, Ecumenical Officer of the United Methodist Council of Bishops, making her the first ever recipient.
Earlier, President Johnson Sirleaf addressed the Conference of 3,000 delegates under the theme 'A Future with Hope.' The President emphasized that the threat on the livelihoods of women and children is a challenge that has concerned our generation as well as generations in the past. She spoke of Liberia's economic difficulties, adding that it is necessary for the country to build its agricultural sector to adequately address poverty. President Johnson Sirleaf also spoke of the need to address problems faced by the youth. She said that the enforcement of universal primary education in Liberia has resulted in 44% enrollment in schools, but stressed the need for better compensation for teachers.
Speaking on the challenge of democracy, President Johnson Sirleaf said development cannot succeed unless citizens participate, adding that people should be the end objective of development. She paid tribute to the United Methodist Church for its continuous efforts in bringing about change. She traced the origin of the United Methodist Church, calling herself a proud alumnus of the College of West Africa (CWA) in Liberia. She praised the church for providing leadership to the Liberian Council of Churches as well as promoting democracy and the rule of law. The President said Liberia needs the church more now than ever before, adding that the quest for national renewal is huge.
The Liberian leader further solicited support for the United Methodist Church in Ganta, a town in Nimba County, one of the country's 15 political sub-divisions. She informed Conference delegates that despite the enormous challenges faced by the world, Africa can boast of positive developments despite news coverage to the contrary.
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