Free Education, Unused: Call to Support Jacob Sumo’s Return to School in Margibi

Margibi County, Liberia – Social activist Martin K. N. Kollie has issued a public appeal to the people of Margibi County, urging them to help encourage a young man, Jacob S. Sumo, to take advantage of an educational opportunity that could transform his future.

Sumo, a resident of Kakata and a high school graduate, is well-known locally for campaigning for the Unity Party and President Joseph Boakai during the 2023 elections. Despite his modest livelihood as a coconut seller, he played a significant role in mobilizing communities across Margibi using a megaphone, later upgraded to a full sound system donated by Kollie and his team.

Impressed by his dedication and energy, Kollie and colleagues decided to support Jacob beyond campaign activities. In 2024, they enrolled him at the Booker T. Washington Institute (BWI) in Kakata to pursue a two-year Diploma and Associate Degree in Automotive and Auto Mechanics. All tuition, fees, and required materials—including safety boots, tools, and workshop equipment—were paid in advance by the Martin K. N. Kollie Foundation.

However, after attending only one day of classes earlier this year, Jacob reportedly stopped going to school. Despite interventions from community members and appeals through local authorities, including Superintendent Victoria Worlobah Duncan, efforts to get him back to class have not succeeded.

In a recent video circulating on social media, Jacob expressed frustration, claiming no one had supported him and accusing the Unity Party and President Boakai of abandonment. Kollie, responding to the video, clarified that while he is neither a government official nor a partisan of the Unity Party, his foundation has fully sponsored Jacob’s studies and continues to stand by him.

“The government cannot help everyone. That is why we stepped in. But Jacob has turned his back on this opportunity,” Kollie stated. He emphasized that the program at BWI comes with the promise of employment at one of Liberia’s leading auto mechanic companies in Monrovia upon graduation.

Kollie appealed to citizens of Margibi to join efforts in persuading Jacob to return to school, noting that this opportunity is still available and fully funded. “We do not want him to keep selling coconuts. He can build a better future with technical education. The change is in his hands, and we are here to support him,” he added.

The Martin K. N. Kollie Foundation has reaffirmed its commitment to sponsor Jacob through his studies if he chooses to continue.