20/10/2025
Liberian Students in Beijing Engage Senate Pro-Temp Nyongblee Karngar Lawrence, Push for Greater Opportunities for Liberian Scholars in China
Beijing, China-The Beijing Union of Liberian Students (BULS) has held a high-profile engagement with Liberia’s Senate Pro-Tempore, Hon. Nyongblee Karngar Lawrence, presenting key concerns and aspirations of Liberian scholars pursuing studies across China.
The meeting, described by the Union as “a perfect opportunity to ensure that the voices of Liberian students abroad are heard back home,” was led by Union President Andrew Nasa Thompson, who expressed gratitude to the Senate Pro-Temp for her leadership and service to the nation.
President Thompson highlighted several pressing challenges confronting Liberian students and the Student Leadership in China, including the lack of internship and employment opportunities for graduates upon their return home, and limited funding to support academic and social initiatives aimed at uniting students under one national identity.
“We are learning valuable skills, knowledge, and perspectives, and we are deeply committed to returning home to contribute to Liberia’s growth if given the opportunity,” Thompson said. He further recommended that qualified Liberian graduates in China Teabe incorporated into the President’s Young Professionals Program to gain practical experience through internships, mentorship, and coaching.
Other members of the delegation included Victor Benjamin Wemb, Vice President; Francis Saah Koryon, Financial Secretary; Richard Kwaidah, Chairman on Planning and Programs; Chester Dolo, Chair on Media and Communication; Christian Nah, Chair of Grievance; Garmai Gobah Murphy, and Bathsheba Howelley,
In her remarks, Senate Pro-Temp Lawrence commended the students for their bold initiative in engaging national leaders. She advised the Union to compile a comprehensive database of all Liberian students studying in China, capturing their names, fields of study, and other relevant details, to help policymakers in evidence-based decision-making.
“If you have such a structure in place, when engaging leaders, you will have data to make reference to,” the Pro-Temp emphasized. “With that, my office can officially push for opportunities to accommodate our students abroad.”
The Senate leader also disclosed that she has supported several Liberian students to pursue studies in Rwanda, many of whom are now contributing meaningfully to Liberia’s development.
Pro-Temp Lawrence further revealed ongoing discussions with President Joseph Nyuma Boakai on establishing a Liberia Diaspora Commission to serve as a liaison between the government and Liberians abroad. She noted that consultations with the House Speaker are expected to begin soon to introduce legislation creating the Commission.
The engagement concluded on a note of optimism, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to ensuring that Liberian students abroad are recognized as key contributors to national development.
