The Dr. Augustus Othello Kwaidah International Academy (DAOKIA) was founded in September 2016 by the late Dr. Augustus Othello Kwaidah — an educator, visionary, and humanitarian whose dream was to provide Liberian children with access to a world-class education comparable to that offered in leading institutions across North America and other developed nations.
Born in Yekepa, Nimba County, Liberia, Dr. Kwaidah experienced firsthand the challenges of the Liberian Civil War. He fled with his family and lived as a refugee in neighboring Côte d'Ivoire before resettling in the United States. Despite the hardships of displacement, he remained committed to education and lifelong learning — earning a Ph.D. in Education with a concentration in Language, Culture, and Teaching from Walden University.
Believing that Liberia's future depended on the education of its children, he returned home to bridge the educational gap between Liberia and the Western world — an affordable international academy preparing students to compete globally while remaining grounded in strong moral values and Liberian culture.
The Academy opens as Little Scholars International Academy, serving students from Nursery through Grade 3, founded on Dr. Kwaidah's vision of affordable, world-class education in Liberia.
Tragically, Dr. Augustus O. Kwaidah passed away only a few months after the school opened. His vision, however, was firmly planted — and his family resolved to carry it forward.
His younger brother, Mr. Adolphus Kwaidah, assumed leadership to preserve and advance his brother's dream. The Academy was renamed Dr. Augustus Othello Kwaidah International Academy in honor of its founder.
Under Mr. Kwaidah's leadership, additional classrooms were constructed, academic programs expanded, and enrollment increased significantly — growing from early childhood classes to a full Nursery–Grade 12 institution.
DAOKIA now serves students from Nursery through Grade 12, employs more than 45 dedicated teachers and staff, and educates over 200 students annually — producing future leaders, innovators and responsible citizens for Liberia, Africa and the world.
Dr. Augustus Othello Kwaidah International Academy is a Liberian-Canadian international educational institution dedicated to providing world-class education from Nursery through Grade 12.
Founded upon the vision that every Liberian child deserves access to quality education regardless of background, DAOKIA combines academic excellence, character development, leadership training, and global perspectives to prepare students for success in the modern world.
Our highly qualified teachers and staff are committed to nurturing the whole child — academically, socially, emotionally, and morally. Through innovative instruction, technology integration, and a supportive learning environment, we empower students to become confident learners, critical thinkers, and future leaders.
At DAOKIA, we believe education is not merely the transfer of knowledge; it is the transformation of lives, families, communities, and nations.
Dr. Augustus Othello Kwaidah International Academy (DAOKIA) is accredited by the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Liberia (MOE).
Located on Rehab Road, Paynesville, Monrovia — a growing campus with new classrooms, expanding programs and a safe, welcoming environment for every child.
Join the DAOKIA family — where education transforms lives, families, communities and nations.
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