The new leadership of the Washington D.C. Chapter of Ricks Institute Alumni Association, USA, Inc. (RIAA) was officially installed on January 10, 2010 at the Trinity Episcopal/Anglican Church in Washington, DC during the worship service. Our membership was invited by Mrs. Magretta Cox, alumnus from the Class of 1966 and a long-time member of this church.

 

Reverend Canon John Harmon, Rector and Pastor, welcomed us to Trinity, introduced us to the church, and blessed us with an inspiring sermon. During the service, Ms. Asunta Hage, our newly elected president, participated in scripture reading. Subsequently, Ms Hage recognized RIAA members and shared some highlights of our organization. She discussed our roots in the Baptist School located in Liberia, West Africa. She commented on our 21 year goal of continuous sustainable commitment to our Alma Mater through financial, material, structural and advisory support. The church was very impressed when she informed them that we support “Free Primary Education” for children.

 

Following the warm and welcoming church service, Reverend Canon Harmon blessed us again with a special prayer to honor our new leaders for accepting great responsibilities and challenges for a praiseworthy cause. Congratulations were extended to our new leaders. Three officers were installed: 

 

Washington DC Chapter President    - Ms. Assunta Hage

Chapter Treasurer and Secretary         - Ms. Theresa Barnaby, and

Chapter Chaplain                                - Ms. Annette Johnson Brown.

 

In our letter to the church, we affirmed the following: As graduates, our motivation was inscribed by our motto, “Not for self but for others”.  We are proud to render strong and substantive support to our Alma Mater, especially during the difficult times of the Liberian Civil War. This was a time when children were easily influenced to become “child soldiers”. We can now boast that we provided education to children during times of less hope for the future. Our united, unselfish efforts allowed Liberian children the opportunity to continue to achieve quality education. WE MADE A CHANGE FOR EDUCATION while paying teachers salaries (that were mostly in arrears), providing scholarships, educational supplies and equipment for the school, we kept the school open.

 

A recent analysis shows that Ricks Institute has enrolled over 600 students in the day and residential programs. Ricks Institute offers free primary and non-residential education. It continues to train the body, mind and soul of children from all over the world. We have sustained graduation from high school with high pass scores on the National Exam. Our graduates continue to confidently assume and maintain productive roles in society.

 

After the Installation Ceremony, we progressed to our first fundraiser, “A Restaurant for a Day”. Many bowls of pre-cooked Liberian dishes were prepared for immediate pick up at the church. We had almost all traditional dishes, including, bitter leaf, cassava leaf, palava sauce, palm butter, potato greens, torborgee, and collard greens.

 

RIAA felt very welcomed as we worshiped with you. We are eternally grateful for the efforts of Mrs. Magretta Green Cox for organizing this event.

 

We also extend thanks to other faithful alumni: Mrs. Annette Johnson Brown, Mrs. Vonjee Hall, Mr. Spencer Clarke and friends. To all Alumni:   Your response with your presence, food sale, food distribution, pick-up, and other support helped to make this a successful event.