Picture a room buzzing with pride, laughter, and happy tears. Imagine the moment a teacher’s name is called, they walk forward, and receive the certificate that changes everything, not just for them, but for every child they will ever teach. Moments like this are happening across Liberia and Sierra Leone, and your generosity was part of every single one.
CODE’s CEO Janice Ciavaglia and board members Nathalie O’Neill and Rachel Welsh O’Connor were thrilled to be present for the certification ceremony in Liberia, where 118 teachers achieved their C Certificates through the Teaching and Learning in Fragile Contexts (TLFC) and Girls’ Accelerated Learning Initiative (GALI) programs, in partnership with the WE-CARE Foundation. It was, by all accounts, an unforgettable and deeply joyful day.
“So much respect for their determination and hard work, and for the partners in education and government who worked with WE-CARE to make this possible,” said Rachel Welsh O’Connor. “CODE is honoured to have played a part in their achievement, and we deeply appreciate the funders and donors who, in the words of one of the speakers, have showed love to Liberia through their support. Imagine the number of students’ lives made better by each and every prepared and qualified teacher. What a gift to the future of Liberia!”
Nathalie O’Neill was equally inspired. “I was impressed by the young women and men’s commitment and excitement towards their new path!”
The day’s keynote speaker, Dr. A. Stevens, Superintendent of the Monrovia Consolidated School System, captured it perfectly: “The most strategic investment a country can make is in education.” Thanks to you, that investment is happening right now.
And the celebration did not stop there. At the same time, across four universities in Sierra Leone, another incredible milestone was unfolding. TALLE Reading Sierra Leone (TALLE-RSL), in collaboration with CODE and four leading Teacher Training Institutions, certified 160 pre-service teachers under the TLFC Project. Of the graduates, 81 were male and 79 female, reflecting a wonderful commitment to gender inclusion and parity in teacher development. This is education opening its doors wide, and you helped make that happen.
Education leaders and university administrators celebrated the initiative warmly, recognizing its powerful role in preparing teachers for real classrooms and real children. “This program is transforming how we prepare teachers for real classroom challenges,” one institutional representative noted during the event. The graduates themselves were glowing. The hands-on practicum experience had built their confidence, sharpened their teaching skills, and equipped them to lead classrooms with energy and purpose. Many spoke excitedly about putting their new skills to work, especially in foundational literacy, to help their students thrive.
Every one of these newly certified teachers will walk into a classroom ready, qualified, and inspired. Each will teach dozens of children every year. Over a career, that impact grows into thousands of young lives shaped by a stronger, brighter education. And it all starts with you. Your support funds the programs, the partnerships, and the training that turn passionate individuals into highly qualified teachers. It lifts up local organizations like TALLE-RSL and WE-CARE, who are rooted in their communities and fiercely dedicated to their children. And it helps CODE work hand in hand with governments, universities, and education leaders to build something that lasts long into the future.
The ceremonies closed with a joyful, unified call from everyone in the room. Keep going. Keep training. Keep investing in teachers, because teachers change everything. Because of you, that future is already blooming.