a social issue and  that the problem is no longer “country versus congo,” but rather the divide between the ‘haves' and the ‘have-nots.'

Speaking further, Acting Minister Tah indicated that as a result of the civil war, infringement on the fundamental rights of others became the norm; basic teachings in honesty, discipline, and respect for others were either lost completely or misinterpreted.

In addition, she stressed that Liberians are now saddled with a society rife with individuals who lie, steal and go with impunity.

“One cannot reconcile with an individual who lies and steals; or one who is discourteous or incorrigible and belligerent,” Minister Tah further stressed.

According to Acting Minister Tah, discrimination is a threat to the upholding of the country's moral integrity, and as such Liberians should consider introducing anti-discrimination statutes in keeping with the spirit of Article 5 (a) of the Liberian Constitution which calls for “national integration and unity of the people of Liberia, regardless of ethnic, regional or other differences into one body politic.”

Turning to the graduates, she spoke on the theme, “Challenges on the Path of Reconciliation,” acknowledged that the education acquired though formal, they (graduates) must also consider the informal aspect that involves responsibility to mold the lives of the younger generation at a family level.

She said social institutions, such as [the] family and religion, played key roles in molding the minds of the younger generation before entering school. But because of the catastrophe that faced the country for fourteen years, “children became parents while parents became children.”

Presuming that most of the graduates were already parents, Acting Minister Tah said the role of parents in molding the minds of children is cardinal because it will make the young child an asset and not a menace to the society.

Speaking earlier, the president of the Leigh-Sherman Community College, Madam Theresa Leigh-Sherman, recounted the achievements of the institution over the past 36 years and stressed that their goal is set at excellence, building a good moral conduct  and even better dress code that reflects societal  values.

In a separate interview with the Daily Observer, Madam Leigh-Sherman said she wished to maintain the school at a community college level, dealing with Secretarial Science in particular to prepare more competent secretaries.

She furthered that the work of a secretary involves not only the educational knowledge but also moral values. People need to be taught how to conduct themselves, she added.