Liberia: ‘The Journey Does Not End Here’ — Karishma Urges 500 Young Liberians to Lead with Purpose

PAYNESVILLE — What began as two days of training, learning and mentorship for more than 500 young Liberians ended in an emotional celebration, as mentees of the Karishma Pelham-Raad Mentorship Program turned the spotlight on their mentor with an unexpected display of love and appreciation.

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By Patience M. Jones

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The atmosphere at the Paynesville City Hall was filled with excitement as participants received certificates at the close of Cohort One on Thursday, marking the completion of a two-day mentorship program designed to equip young people with knowledge, leadership skills and a stronger sense of responsibility.

But beyond the certificates and applause, one moment brought the room to an emotional standstill.

Participants surprised the program’s Founder and CEO, Karishma Pelham-Raad, with a traditional Liberian dress and a branded T-shirt, while others presented her with notes carrying their signatures and messages of appreciation.

The gesture moved Pelham-Raad to tears.

“I may look tough on the outside, but deep down, I am just a very soft woman with a heart full of love, dreams, and a sincere desire to make the world a better place, one young person at a time,” she said in reflecting on the moment.

She described the gesture from her mentees as one she would treasure for the rest of her life.

Pelham-Raad said she plans to frame the notes signed by her mentees and keep them in her living room, saying that one day she hopes to share the story with her grandchildren.

The emotional moment was followed by chanting, singing and dancing from participants, transforming the closing ceremony into a celebration of the relationships built during the mentorship journey.

For Pelham-Raad, however, the end of the two-day program was not the end of the work.

She challenged the young people not to leave the venue with certificates alone, but to put into practice the lessons gained from the panelists and lecturers.

“Go and make the difference. The nation sees the next generation in you,” she urged the participants.

She said her commitment to supporting the mentees would continue beyond the walls of Paynesville City Hall, emphasizing that mentorship should translate into action, service and positive change in society.

“The journey doesn’t end in the hall of Paynesville, but rather beyond,” she said.

A Reward Beyond Recognition

Reflecting on the emotional exchange with the mentees, Pelham-Raad said the experience reminded her that leadership is measured not only by titles or recognition, but by the lives touched along the way.

“To my beautiful mentees/fellows, you have no idea what this moment means to me,” she said. “I started this journey hoping to inspire, empower, and change your lives, but you have equally touched mine in ways words can never fully express.”

She described the young people as “exceptional emancipators,” saying their response had made the sacrifices behind the mentorship initiative worthwhile.

“You made your Founder cry happy tears, and I will forever cherish this beautiful memory,” she said.

Recognizing Those Behind the Vision

The closing ceremony also recognized members of the program’s executive team with Certificates of Appreciation for their commitment, teamwork and contribution to the implementation of Cohort One.

Pelham-Raad commended the team for helping transform the mentorship vision into what she described as a meaningful experience for hundreds of young Liberians.

The recognition highlighted the role of teamwork and shared responsibility in creating opportunities for young people.

Three Young Leaders Given Greater Responsibility

The ceremony also marked the appointment of three participants as Ambassadors of Cohort One.

The appointments were presented as more than recognition of participation in the program, with the new ambassadors expected to represent values including integrity, service, excellence, tolerance, resilience and youth leadership.

Pelham-Raad encouraged the ambassadors to use their new roles to inspire their peers, promote positive change and serve as credible voices for young people.

“The future is yours to shape,” she told them. “Lead with purpose, serve with integrity and inspire with excellence.”

As Cohort One came to a close, the young participants left with certificates in their hands, memories of two days of learning and a new responsibility to turn the lessons they received into action.

For the founder, the emotional farewell offered another reminder of why the mentorship journey began in the first place to empower young people, inspire their futures and help prepare a generation capable of leading with purpose.

“Empowering Minds, Inspiring Futures.”