The Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (United Nations Development Programme) in Liberia, Aliou Mamadou Dia, has called on the Ministry of Youth and Sports to assign cadets from the newly launched National Cadet Program to UNDP for professional training and job readiness opportunities.
The launch brought together over 950 college graduates, technical and vocational training graduates from all fifteen (15) political subdivisions of Liberia, surpassing the previous cohort of three hundred (300) cadets drawn from about five (5) counties.
Speaking at the official launch of the Government of Liberia’s National Cadet Program on Friday, May 15, 2026, in Gbarnga, Bong County, Mr. Dia praised the government’s commitment to youth empowerment and described the initiative as a critical step toward national transformation and sustainable development.
“When I engaged with Liberian youths, it will interest you to know how I felt during a youth engagement in Monrovia at Sinkor Palace, where I interacted with over 100 young people to understand the way forward for Liberian youth. With the Minister of Youth and Sports’ willingness to address their welfare, I want to say I am in,” Mr. Dia noted.
Addressing government officials, students, and development partners present, the UNDP Resident Representative emphasized that youth development must become a national priority rather than merely a development project. “No country has developed without investing in its young people,” Dia said.
“Transformation is delivered by generations that are morally and professionally prepared to carry the burden of national progress.”
He commended the Government of Liberia for demonstrating political will in empowering young people through practical skills development and workforce preparation initiatives.
In a direct appeal to the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Dia expressed UNDP’s readiness to partner with the government by hosting cadets under the program. “Madam Minister, in furtherance of our engagement with the Ministry of Youth and Sports, I will be more than happy to host some of your cadets at UNDP,” he stated, stressing the importance of exposing young graduates to professional environments that prepare them for future employment opportunities.
The National Cadet Program, launched by Liberia’s Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Hon. Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, will place more than 1,000 university graduates and graduating seniors in public and private institutions across Liberia for a six-month internship and skills acquisition program.
Youth and Sports Minister Cornelia Wonkerleh Kruah described the cadet initiative as a “historic turning point” for Liberian youth. She announced that the program has expanded from eight counties to all fifteen counties across Liberia and has increased its duration from three months to six months.
Minister Kruah said the government is focused on creating pathways that move young people “from exclusion to productivity” by equipping them with workplace skills and opportunities for long-term employment.
She further encouraged cadets to remain disciplined, professional, and committed when deployed to their various assignments. “When you go there, not everyone will embrace you immediately,” Kruah said. “But whenever there is an opportunity to prove yourself, make sure you do your best so that people can recognize your competence.”
The launch ceremony brought together senior government officials, students, development partners, and youth representatives from across Liberia’s fifteen counties. Official deployments are expected to begin in early June 2026 across the counties.
