By: Julius Konton
Former Liberian President George Manneh Weah, community leaders, clergy members, and residents have commended Ambassador Dee-Maxwell Saah Kemayah Sr., Political Leader of the Movement for Economic Empowerment (MOVEE), for his sustained commitment to human capacity development and grassroots empowerment initiatives across Liberia.
The praise came during the graduation ceremony of forty-nine Liberian women who successfully completed a vocational skills training program organized by MOVEE in Paynesville City.
The initiative supported by Ambassador Kemayah and his wife, Rev. Mrs. Dialokai Golanyon-Kemayah aims to equip women with practical livelihood skills and promote economic self-reliance in communities often challenged by unemployment and limited economic opportunities.
The event marked the second cohort of graduates from the Dee-Maxwell Saah Kemayah Sr. Women Empowerment and Vocational Skills Training Program, a community-based initiative supporters say is contributing to Liberia’s broader efforts to expand workforce skills and strengthen economic resilience.
Weah Applauds Kemayah’s Commitment to Empowerment
Delivering remarks at the ceremony, former President George Weah praised Ambassador Kemayah for organizing the initiative and investing in the future of Liberia’s young people through skills development.
“I want to extend my sincere appreciation to Honorable Kemayah and his wife for their commitment to empowering young women through skills training and education,” Weah said.
“Programs like these create opportunities and open doors for many of our young people.”
Weah, who served as Liberia’s 25th President from 2018 to 2024, noted that grassroots empowerment initiatives remain critical to addressing youth unemployment and poverty in the country.
He also commended Kemayah’s humanitarian record and long-standing public service.
“I have known Mr. Kemayah for a long time. His work for humanity cannot be questioned,” Weah said.
“When you remain consistent in what you do, success will follow.”
The former president congratulated the graduates for their dedication and perseverance during the training program.
“Life presents many challenges,” he told them.
“But with discipline, determination, and hard work, success is possible.”
Community Leaders Highlight Local Impact
Community leaders from Paynesville City described the program as a transformational initiative that is improving livelihoods and strengthening local communities.
Madam Winifred Taylor, Chairperson of the Paynesville City Hall Community, emphasized Ambassador Kemayah’s longstanding relationship with residents.
According to her, the Kemayah family has lived in the community for more than 27 years, consistently demonstrating solidarity and compassion toward residents.
“Whenever something happens to anyone in need, Ambassador Kemayah and his wife come walking hand in hand to identify with the community,” Taylor said.
“If we had five people like Ambassador Kemayah in our community, our community would be better.”
She added that community members continue to support Kemayah because of his visible commitment to social development.
Religious leaders also praised the initiative.
Rev. Louise Barnes, Pastor of World Faith Pavilion Church in Voker Mission, Paynesville, described the program as a life-changing opportunity for women.
“Every time I pass by the MOVEE headquarters, I see women actively learning,” Rev. Barnes said.
“This program is transforming lives. Ambassador Kemayah and his wife are creating livelihood opportunities for women in our community.”
Addressing Liberia’s Skills and Employment Gap
Liberia continues to face significant economic challenges, including high unemployment and limited vocational training opportunities.
According to the World Bank, Liberia’s unemployment and underemployment rate among young people remains above 60 percent, while women often face additional barriers to economic participation.
Experts say vocational education and entrepreneurship training are essential tools in addressing these gaps.
Programs such as the MOVEE initiative aim to equip participants with marketable skills in areas such as:
Taiiloring and garment production
Cosmetology and beauty services
Catering and food production
Small business management
These skills can enable participants to pursue self-employment or small business ventures, contributing to local economic growth.
Graduates Honor Weah and Kemayah
During the ceremony, graduates expressed gratitude for the opportunity to acquire vocational skills and improve their livelihoods.
In a symbolic gesture, the graduates honored both former President Weah and Ambassador Kemayah by presenting them with ceremonial gowns.
Several graduates say the training has given them renewed confidence and practical tools to support their families.
“This program has changed our lives,” one graduate said during the ceremony.
“We now have skills that can help us earn a living and support our families.”
MOVEE Announces Major Expansion of Program
In his keynote remarks, Ambassador Kemayah reaffirmed MOVEE’s commitment to expanding empowerment initiatives across Liberia.
He announced that beginning May 1, 2026, the women empowerment program will undergo a major structural expansion.
Under the new framework:
The training program will run for nine months
Six months will focus on intensive skills training
Three months will include practical internships
According to Kemayah, the internship component will allow participants to gain real-world experience with businesses and institutions.
“This will better prepare our trainees for employment opportunities and entrepreneurship,” he said.
Political Context and Personal Challenges
During his remarks, Ambassador Kemayah also spoke briefly about the political and personal challenges he has faced in recent months.
He alleged that he and others have been targeted due to their support for the political comeback of former President Weah.
Kemayah recounted the impact of a June 26, 2025 security operation at his residence, which he said caused emotional distress for his family.
According to him, the incident contributed to severe health complications for his mother, who is currently receiving medical treatment.
Despite these challenges, Kemayah said his movement remains focused on improving the lives of ordinary Liberians.
MOVEE Reaffirms Alliance with CDC
Ambassador Kemayah also announced that the Movement for Economic Empowerment (MOVEE) has reaffirmed its constituent membership in the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) Liberia’s immediate past ruling coalition.
The CDC, which governed Liberia from 2018 to 2024, remains one of the country’s major political alliances.
Kemayah said empowerment initiatives such as the vocational program reflect MOVEE’s broader vision of economic inclusion and community development.
Building Liberia’s Human Capital
Analysts note that grassroots training programs like the MOVEE initiative contribute to Liberia’s long-term development by strengthening human capital.
Liberia’s population estimated at about 5.5 million people is largely youthful, with over 60 percent under the age of 30.
Experts say investment in skills development, entrepreneurship, and education is crucial for transforming this demographic trend into economic opportunity.
Supporters of the Kemayah initiative argue that programs targeting women can have a particularly strong impact.
Research by the United Nations
Development Programme (UNDP) shows that empowering women economically leads to improved household income, better education outcomes for children, and stronger community development.
A Growing Movement for Empowerment
The graduation ceremony in Paynesville reflects a broader effort by MOVEE and its supporters to expand community-based empowerment initiatives nationwide.
For the forty-nine women who completed the training program, the ceremony represented more than just a graduation, it symbolized a step toward independence, opportunity, and renewed hope.
Addressing the graduates, Ambassador
Kemayah urged them to use their newly acquired skills to uplift their communities.
“Your hard work and determination have brought you to this proud moment,” he said.
“You are now equipped with valuable skills and knowledge to contribute meaningfully to your families, communities, and the nation.”
