President Boakai calls for the inclusion of information communication technology in schools across Liberia.
By Stephen G. Fellajuah (contributing writer)
Monrovia, Liberia, December 13, 2024 – In response to growing demand in the digital economy, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai calls for the inclusion of ICT education in school curricula and community programs across Liberia.
The President emphasizes that the government’s vision is to position Liberia as a hub of digital talent to get global attention for its skilled workforce and innovative thinkers.
He stresses the importance of equipping young people, especially in developing nations like Liberia, with exposure to ICT. “The potential of our youth is immense, and it is crucial that we prepare them for digital competency,” the President further underscores.
To ensure the transformation reaches every corner of the country and increases ICT job opportunities nationwide, President Boakai directs the Ministry of Education to work closely with the Digital Transformation Project and other partners to integrate digital training into high school programs.
As part of this initiative, the government will expand ICT centers across the country, with agencies such as the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA), Liberia Telecommunications Corporation (LTC), and the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications (MoPT) tasked to prioritize the establishment of ICT sectors throughout Liberia.
“Collaboration and coordination across government ministries, agencies, and commissions will be key to the success of this initiative,” President Boakai says while stressing the importance of a unified approach with the digital transformation team and the Office of the Chief Information Officer in the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications leading the charge.
The President further highlights collaboration between the National Identification Registry and the Digital Transformation Project to establish a robust identity management database, which will be managed by those who have completed the ICT training.
The Digital Transformation Project will also collaborate with various sector areas to ensure ICT is integrated into every Liberian ministry, agency, and commission.
At the certification and awards ceremony held on December 12, 2024, at the EJS Ministerial Complex in Congo Town, more than 10,000 youth were recognized for completing digital skills training.
Samuel A. Stevquoh, Minister of State for Special Services, spoke on behalf of the President and revealed that seed funding was awarded to the first group of 50 trainees whose proposals were deemed worthy of support. He encourages the youth to be innovative and contribute to Liberia’s development.
The event was attended by representatives of the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA), Ministry of Education, Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications (MoPT), Ministry of Youth and Sports, and beneficiary students from Montserrado County. Similar ceremonies took place across the country.
Mr. Abdullah L. Kamara, Chairman of the Liberia Digital Transformation Project (LDTP), discloses that 10,073 participants were part of the program physically and online.
He emphasizes that the digital transformation initiative is about training and preparing the next generation for a rapidly evolving global economy. Mr. Kamara reveals plans to train half a million youth in the next three years, with ongoing discussions to make digital education a core subject of the high school curriculum.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Jarso Jallah, recognized the significant impact of this initiative, noting that it opens new doors for employment and entrepreneurship, ensuring that Liberian youths are part of the global digital transformation.
A Ministry of Youth and Sports representative says the collective efforts to empower young Liberians through this program is essential, as skills acquired will enhance productive engagement, foster innovation, and provide sustainable livelihoods for the beneficiaries.
Despite the program’s success, there remains a significant demand for digital training among young Liberians. The project faced some logistical challenges during implementation, but the government remains committed to expanding opportunities for youth across the country. Editing by Jonathan Browne
