The government has made a significant move in advancing youth empowerment and development with the official launch of a new National Service Program aimed at tackling youth unemployment and strengthening their skills.
The announcement was made during the 2025 International Youth Day celebration, held on Tuesday, August 12, in Kakata, Margibi County.
The program will initially deploy 150 young people, each receiving a monthly stipend of US$200 for 30 months, through a partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
According to Youth and Sports Minister, Cllr. Jeror Cole Bangalu, the initiative builds on the government’s existing Cadet Program, which has already absorbed dozens of participants into permanent government roles.
“This is about providing real opportunities for young people,” Bangalu said. “Last year’s cadets were placed into government jobs, showing that skill-based programs are effective. President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has made it clear: we will fight drug abuse and expand support for youth across both urban and rural communities.”
The launch took place during a vibrant Youth Day celebration that drew senior government officials, international partners, and hundreds of young people.
Delivering the keynote, Deputy Gender Minister for Children and Social Protection, Atty. Laura Golakeh, challenged Liberians to dismantle barriers holding youth back, citing persistent issues of unemployment, lack of quality education, and substance abuse.
“No young person should live each day asking God, ‘Why was I born in this part of the world?’” she declared. “We must create opportunities where every young person can explore their potential and become the best version of themselves.”
Golakeh cautioned against harmful habits like drug and alcohol abuse, calling them a “national tragedy that robs families, communities, and the nation of its future.”
She urged the country to move away from stereotypes of youth leadership and instead invest in innovation, skills, and ethical engagement. Her message ended with a rallying cry: “When our youth rises, Liberia rises.”
CRS Country Representative Glynnis Oudoakang told participants not to wait for titles before making an impact. “Don’t wait for someone to give you a title to make a difference. Start now,” she said, recalling her own journey from unpaid volunteer to senior leadership.
Representing the European Union, Anna Brzozowska emphasized the EU’s investment in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) through the Global Gateway strategy. “Our main concern is ensuring that those who complete training can thrive in the labor market or as entrepreneurs,” she explained, adding that skills must be paired with access to finance, better regulations, and civic engagement.
Speaking on behalf of the United Nations, Mr. Anthony Nimely, UNIDO Deputy Project Manager, said the Youth Rising Project directly addresses job market needs. “Our aim is to ensure that the skills young people acquire in their institutions are directly applicable in the world of work,” Nimely said. “We want to elevate the standards of technical proficiency, education, and training so that graduates are recognized for their quality, competence, and potential.”
He praised the skills competition as proof of Liberia’s untapped potential. “It is always inspiring to witness how young people transform raw materials into impressive, finished products within a limited time, meeting strict criteria such as teamwork, precision, and the ability to work under pressure,” he said.
The day featured the Liberia Skills Competition, showcasing the talents of young people from Montserrado, Margibi, Grand Gedeh, Lofa, and Nimba counties. In carpentry, Harbel Multilateral High School took first place, followed by Booker Washington Institute in second. William V.S. Tubman High School and AML Vocational Training Center placed first and second, respectively, in welding and fabrication.
In automotive skills, Booker Washington Institute claimed first place while Zwedru Multilateral High School came second. Fashion technology winners were Vorjima MHS in first place and Booker David Operation Training Center (BDOTC) in second. Vorjima MHS and Booker Washington Institute topped the agriculture category, while in electrical engineering, Zwedru Multilateral High School and Don Bosco Technical School placed first and second.
The International Youth Day celebration was hosted by the Government of Liberia with support from the European Union, Government of Sweden, France AFD, UNIDO, IECD, UNFPA, BRAC Liberia, SOS Children’s Villages Liberia, and CENTAL.
With the launch of the National Service Program and renewed partnerships, officials and stakeholders agreed on one clear message: empowering young Liberians with skills, leadership opportunities, and economic support is the surest path to building the nation’s future.
