Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has spoken optimistically about the future of Africa. Moved by the sight of hundreds of primary school students in Windhoek, Namibia's capital, the Liberian leader said seeing so many young people eager for education filled her with hope for Africa’s future.

	• President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

Students of Moses van der Byl in Katutura, Namibia, braved the blazing mid-morning sunlight Monday to give the Liberian President a rousing welcome during a visit to the school.

An Executive Mansion release says the President’s visit to the school was part of her three-day state visit to Namibia.

The Liberian leader said the education of the youth was a primary preoccupation of all African governments and urged the students to take education seriously and prepare themselves adequately to assume leadership roles.

President Johnson Sirleaf, who was entertained to cultural performances by the students, interacted and exchanged handshakes with them before departure.

In a related development, women groups in Namibia have hailed the Liberian leader for her election as the first democratically elected woman President in Africa.  In a statement read by Namibian Deputy Prime Minister, Madam Libertine Amathilathe, the women described the election of Mrs. Johnson Sirleaf as a victory for all women in Africa.

“Your election,’ the women said, ‘has removed once and for all the myth, that women cannot lead.”  The women said they were proud of the progress the President has made in Liberia’s reconstruction despite challenges. “Our support and prayers are with you because your success is success for all of us,” the women said in their statement.

Responding, President  Johnson Sirleaf thanked the women of Namibia for the celebration. The Liberian leader acknowledged that her election represents the aspirations and expectations of women everywhere.

“You represent honesty; you represent transparency, and when the rights of people are denied both through election or other forms of abuse, I speak out, and I do so on your behalf,” the Liberian leader said, as the capacity hall erupted in applause. President Johnson Sirleaf expressed the hope that her success will produce more women presidents in other African countries.

The President was also full of praises for the women of Liberia for their positive role in the peace process and their support which was crucial to her election as President.

The Program, held in celebration of the achievements of African women, was organized by the Ministry of Gender, Equality and Child Welfare of Namibia. The head of the Ministry, Madam Marlene Mungunda, expressed delight that the President could grace the occasion, which was attended by influential Namibian women leaders, including the country’s first lady, Mrs. Punehupito Pohamba.

President Johnson Sirleaf and members of her delegation are now back in the country.  They returned Wednesday afternoon at the Roberts International Airport (RIA) and were received upon arrival by a  number of government officials lead by the Acting Chairman of the Cabinet, Iternal Affairs Minister, Ambulai Johnson.