Our History

Konola Academy is a private, boarding high school located in Liberia, West Africa owned and operated by the Seventh-Adventist Church. Beginning as a mission in 1935, “Konola Mission” was established in the 1940’s, 62 miles from Monrovia, the nation’s capital. This 87-acre site was near a small river named Kono. Konola means "the place of Kono" or "mouth of the river Kono." After World War II, the name was changed to "Konola Academy" and became a co-educational institution (admitting girls) by the early 1950’s. Through the years, many missionaries from all over the world have served on the Konola campus as teachers, pastors, administrators and principals. The school has always been known as one of the best schools in Liberia. From K-12, Konola hosts an average of 300 boarding and day students annually. The Alumni and Friends of Konola Academy or “AFKA”, is a non-profit organization comprised of several former students and faculty of Konola Academy who were fortunate enough to have experienced the spirit of the famed Academy.

History of Liberia

Liberia was founded by freed slaves from the United States of America in 1822. The oldest republic in Africa, it was declared an independent country in 1847. For decades, Liberia was known as one of the most well-to-do countries in the subcontinent due to natural resources that contributed to the economic development of the country. The History of Liberia is a rich, varied one, with ties to the United States throughout its inception. Much of Liberia’s cities and national artifacts closely mirror that of the United States. Liberia has been plagued off and on with civil unrest since 1980, with the worst fighting erupting into a long, devastating 15-year Civil War from 1988 through 2003. It was a horrific period for the country as upwards of 250,000 people were slaughtered and up to one million people were displaced all from a country that has averaged a population of just 2.5 million people.

History of AFKA

Starting in September of 1988, in Toledo Ohio, Mr. Leonard Washington called upon former alumni of Konola Academy to discuss how they could best help Konola Academy, focusing on infrastructural changes and helping the school to recover from the impact of the then beginning Civil War. Besides Mr. Leonard Washington, individuals who were called include Mr. and Mrs. Willie Levette, Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Cassell, Mr. John Dadize, Mr. George Wesley, Mr. Lindsay Deline, Mr. Galimah Bassah, Mr. Bobby Perry, Mr. Katrick Taylor. The group was initially called the Konola Academy Student Association, and the first reunion was held in Toledo, Ohio. Mr. Washington was the first President of the Association and the second reunion was held in Providence, Rhode Island. Mr. Ernest Cassell later became the next president.

​Two years after the Association was started, more members joined, including former students, friends, and family of Konola Alumni. Mr. Washington thought it wise to change the name of the Association and it was agreed upon by all to be changed to the Alumni and Friends of Konola Academy or AFKA, as it remains today.

AFKA Today

We must acknowledge that Konola Academy is a Seventh-day Adventist institution that helped to prepare us to be the men and women we are today. AFKA today, is a diverse group of individuals from various backgrounds, religions, cultures, economies, etc., who accept and respect one another for who they are, while attempting to maintain the values of Konola. AFKA members possess unique skills and talents and share one common theme - “An undying Passion for Konola Academy.”

Not all AFKA members are members of Seventh-day Adventist Church. However, during our reunion events, we like many other alumni organizations adhere to and cherish several of the traditions we all shared at Konola Academy, including prayer, church programs, social events, etc.

AFKA Members have two common goals – 1. With a focused, concentrated effort, support Konola Academy financially, physically, and in any way possible. 2. Seek out, meet and socialize with other Alumni and Friends of Konola Academy and share experiences with unity and respect.

Call for Help

AFKA is a Non-Profit 501 (C)(3) organization. To help support students who annually attend Konola Academy, please write a check or money order payable to “AFKA” or logon to https://afka-konola.org. You can also sponsor students on Konola Academy. Please contact AFKA's current

Treasurer, James Lombeh at (651) 428.3778. All donations are tax deductible.