03/08/2026
Exiled Liberian Activist Martin Kollie Receives Appreciation Letter after His Advocacy Led to Over 150% increment in Salaries of Teachers at Haywood Mission Institute
Activist Martin K. N. Kollie writes ✍️
“Teachers deserve a life of dignity and a batch of honor for their sacrificial services to society.
In January 2026, we received a complaint, enclosed with multiple internal documents, from dozens of teachers at Haywood Mission Institute of how they were underpaid and unfairly treated. Between January and May 2026, we committed our time, effort, and resources to fight for them. We demanded a shift in their wellbeing.
Today, we are glad and humbled to announce that our advocacy on behalf of dozens of teachers have yielded substantial fruits. The situation has changed at Haywood. As attached, we received a Letter of Appreciation from dozens of teachers.
Excerpt From The Letter: “At a time when many teachers were enduring poor employment conditions and receiving wages as low as L$14,000 despite their dedication and invaluable service, you chose not to remain silent. Through your platform, Verity Online News, and your consistent public advocacy, you amplified our concerns and called the attention of the public, relevant authorities, and stakeholders to the plight of teachers… Today, we celebrate a remarkable victory that reflects the power of principled advocacy and collective action. As the new academic year approaches, teachers who previously earned as little as L$14,000 will now receive salaries ranging from L$36,000 to L$75,000, and even higher, representing salary increases well above 100 percent for many affected staff.”
Another Teacher Elijah F. Borwah from Haywood commented on our previous post a few minutes ago: “Thanks, mentor. I'm one of the teachers who cried out earlier. I'm truly grateful for your advocacy. At first, it truly seemed impossible to me because this is a practice that had lasted for decades. Though I'm one of the two teachers the administration dismissed for the same advocacy, having taught for about two and a half years, I feel truly excited in my spirit that my colleagues are now going to enjoy the fruit of the struggle. Thanks so kindly again. I kindly ask that you continue doing your great job to liberate other Liberians who still carry the same silent burdens on their shoulders with no one to run to. History has got you.”
From L$14,000 to L$36,000 is 157% increment and to L$75,000 is 435% increment. This would not have been achieved without the administration and proprietorship of Haywood Mission Institute. We want to thank them also for listening to us. Let's work together for a better nation that rewards hard work and honest labor. Haywood is one of the best high schools in Liberia. The purpose of our advocacy was never to harm its image but to lift teachers up with it. The wellbeing of teachers at Haywood and everywhere matters. Teachers deserve a life of dignity and a batch of honor.
We will continue to fight for teachers, health workers, security personnel, civil servants, and ALL Liberians.”
