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By: Josiah Pailay/ josiahpailay96@gmail.com /+231-881-8138-80/+2317752-60307
The Arava International Center for Agricultural Training (AICAT) Liberia Office, headed by Mr. Jacob Dennis, has officially welcomed back over 36 Liberian students who completed an 11-month advanced agricultural program in Israel.
The homecoming ceremony was held on Monday, July 21, 2025, at the main campus of the Bong County Technical College in Gbarnga, Bong County.
The event brought together students, educational authorities, parents, and agriculture stakeholders from across Liberia to celebrate the returning scholars.Mr. Dennis, who played a key role in coordinating the international training opportunity, expressed gratitude to the students for their commitment and willingness to return home to support Liberia’s agricultural development.
He particularly commended student leader Peter Kollie, who led the Liberian delegation in Israel.
“I want to thank all of you for not just representing Liberia well but for returning home to contribute to the growth of your respective institutions and the nation’s agriculture sector,” Dennis said. “Your return gives hope to the next generation of farmers and agricultural leaders.”
However, Mr. Dennis also expressed disappointment over the reported escape of seven students during the program in Israel.
He strongly cautioned future participants against such actions, warning that it could jeopardize the entire program and affect Liberia’s credibility on the international stage.
“Any attempt to abscond while in Israel can collapse the entire opportunity for other Liberian students in the future,” he stressed.
“We are now putting stronger measures in place to ensure students return. This includes a collateral system, where families will present land deeds, farms, or valuable properties as assurance.”
It was announced at the event that 58 more Liberian students are set to depart for Israel this August to undergo the same 11-month training.
These students will be required to submit proof of collateral before being issued visas.
Student leader Peter Kollie also addressed the gathering, commending his colleagues for honoring their commitment to return home and serve their country.
He thanked the AICAT team and the parents for their trust and support.
“I am proud of everyone who returned and grateful to Mr. Dennis and the entire AICAT family for giving us this life-changing opportunity,” Kollie said. “We’ve learned so much and are ready to give back.”
The ceremony brought together faculty and students from institutions including Bong County Technical College, Cuttington University, Sumo Moye Technical College, C-press International University, Booker Washington Institute (BWI), and Central Liberia Bible College, among others.
Parents of the incoming batch of students also praised AICAT for its efforts and pledged their support to ensure the program’s success.
Many expressed optimism that their children’s experience abroad would benefit not just their families but Liberia at large.
The AICAT program continues to provide practical, world-class training to agriculture students, equipping them with modern farming techniques and leadership skills. It is one of the few ongoing international agricultural exchange programs accessible to Liberian students and remains a vital pipeline for building the country’s food security and agri-business capacity.
