From Rural Struggles to Mining Engineer – A Trailblazing Scholar’s Accounts ArcelorMittal Role in Shaping Future
IPNEWS: As ArcelorMittal Liberia gears up to roll out its massive Phase-II Expansion Project, which promises to help uplift Liberia’s economic landscape by creating jobs and driving the government’s ARREST Agenda, a remarkable success story emerges from the remotest corners.
This story is not just about mining or economic expansion; it’s a testament to resilience, opportunity, and the transformative power of corporate social responsibility.
Ferrison Saye Andrews, a native of Yarwin Mehnsonnoh Statutory District in Nimba County, one of several communities affected by ArcelorMittal Liberia’s operations, has become the first individual from his district to earn a Master’s Degree in Mining Engineering.
ArcelorMittal Liberia fully funded Andrew’s education. This achievement he says is a testament to the company’s commitment to investing in Liberia’s human resource capital, “and it is at fostering hope, and paving the way for a brighter future”.
Speaking live on Nimba D-9 TV’s midweek program, The Truth of the Matter, Engineer Andrews reflected on his arduous journey.
“I started my primary education in Laitoin and later moved to Garr in the Mehnsonnoh Administrative District. Life was tough; I survived with the help of my poor grandmother and had to set traps for animals to pay my school fees. My prayerful parents couldn’t support me financially, but I remained focused and determined to achieve my dreams,” he shared.
His path took him to Monrovia, where he got involved in commercial motorbike riding to make ends meet and continue his education. Little did he know his years of perseverance would culminate in a scholarship from ArcelorMittal Liberia, which enabled him to earn a Master’s Degree in Mining Engineering from a prestigious Ghanaian university.
During the live interview, simulcast on several radio stations across Nimba County, including Radio Voice of Yarwin Mehnsonnoh 99.1FM, Andrews’s parents called in to express their profound gratitude to ArcelorMittal Liberia.
“This opportunity has changed our lives. Our son’s success is not just his own but a victory for our entire community,” they said.
The program’s phone lines were flooded with calls from over 30 of Andrews’s relatives, friends, and supporters, both in Liberia and the diaspora. They lauded his determination and expressed appreciation for ArcelorMittal Liberia’s scholarship initiative, which is helping to bridge the gap between talent and opportunity in underserved areas.
Andrews’s story exemplifies the far-reaching impact of ArcelorMittal Liberia’s educational support. By enabling scholars to achieve their dreams, the company is not only building a pipeline of skilled professionals for Liberia’s mining sector but also uplifting entire communities. This aligns seamlessly with the government’s ARREST Agenda, which prioritizes economic empowerment and job creation.
“Today, ArcelorMittal Liberia has made my dreams a reality,” Andrews remarked. “I am hopeful that the company will continue to engage and integrate scholars like myself to contribute meaningfully to the mining sector and the nation.”
Andrews’s achievement has sparked hope across Yarwin Mehnsonnoh Statutory District and beyond. As the first person in his district to hold such an academic qualification, he is a role model for countless young Liberians aspiring to rise above their circumstances. His journey highlights the importance of determination, hard work, and the transformative power of access to quality education.
As ArcelorMittal Liberia prepares for its Phase-II Expansion Project, stories like Andrews’s serve as powerful reminders of the company’s role in shaping Liberia’s future. Beyond the economic benefits of increased iron ore production, the expansion represents a commitment to sustainable development, capacity building, and the empowerment of local communities.
This initiative not only addresses years of technical capacity development challenges but also reinforces the vision of a prosperous and self-reliant Liberia. By investing in education and skill development, ArcelorMittal Liberia is laying the foundation for a workforce that will drive the nation’s progress for generations to come.
Andrews’s story is a call to action for stakeholders across Liberia. It challenges corporate entities, policymakers, and communities to prioritize human capital development as a cornerstone of national growth. It also inspires individuals to pursue their dreams relentlessly, knowing that with hard work and the right support, even the most ambitious goals can be achieved.
As Liberia looks ahead, stories like Ferrison Saye Andrews remind us that the true measure of progress lies not just in economic metrics but in the lives transformed along the way.
