Voinjama City, Lofa County – The Female Journalists Association of Liberia (FeJAL), in collaboration with the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL), has officially launched the Financial Education and Literacy Program in Voinjama, Lofa County, as part of a national effort to decentralize financial knowledge and inclusion.
The launch event, held on Saturday, July 12, 2025, attracted over 300 participants including youth, women, and persons with disabilities, civil society organizations, marketers, VSLA groups, and transport unions underscoring the program’s inclusive approach.
Funded by the CBL and implemented by FeJAL in partnership with PERT Consultancy Inc., the initiative aims to equip underserved Liberians with practical skills to manage money wisely, improve savings, avoid debt, and access formal financial services.
Speaking during the launch, County Development Officer Francis Lassana applauded the program’s long-term vision, stating: “Financial literacy isn’t about how much you earn, but how well you plan. Even a few dollars, when managed well, can transform a family.”
Lassana urged the Central Bank to integrate financial education into Liberia’s school curriculum, starting at the elementary level, to instill responsible habits early in life.
Echoing his remarks, participants praised the program for its practical relevance. Madam Garmai Gbusiwollie of a local VSLA group expressed gratitude: “We never had the chance to learn about saving and budgeting. Now we can plan better and teach others.”
Madam Finda Nyormui of the Liberia Maritime Authority in Lofa called the training “timely and realistic,” while Lofa Motorcyclist Union President John Morlu emphasized its impact on young riders who earn daily but struggle to save.
Cllr. Alphonsus Zeon, head of the National Financial Education Working Group, described the initiative as more than just a training program. “This is a movement to promote dignity, responsibility, and independence through smart financial choices,” he said. He also introduced the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS), which allows cross-border transactions through local banks enhancing trade security for Liberian entrepreneurs.
FeJAL President Lisa Diasay reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to inclusive education. “Whether you’re selling in the market, riding a bike, or managing a savings group, this program is about helping you take charge of your financial future,” she noted.
Thirteen community mobilizers including representatives from youth groups, local authorities, marketers, and persons with disabilities were certificated following a two-day Training of Trainers (TOT). These mobilizers will lead community outreach campaigns throughout Lofa County using participatory teaching methods.
Looking Ahead
The launch marks the beginning of an intensive grassroots awareness phase across Lofa County’s marketplaces, towns, and transport hubs. The broader goal is to build individual financial resilience, reduce reliance on informal financial systems, and strengthen Liberia’s economy from the ground up.
The program is a key component of the Central Bank’s Financial Inclusion Agenda under its Financial Sector Development Implementation Plan (FSDIP), launched in 2016.
