By: TPA News Desk | editor@thepointafricanews.com

President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. launched a sweeping national initiative, the Presidential Vacation Enrichment Program and Community Service Projects, charting a new course for youth development in Liberia by emphasizing immediate civic engagement, green entrepreneurship, and a broader reach than many previous efforts. The program, themed “Learning is Leadership: Investing in Youth for Liberia’s 21st Century Transformation,” aims to empower young Liberians through education, innovation, and direct community contribution.

Speaking at the Executive Pavilion in Monrovia, President Boakai asserted that Liberia’s future rests on its youth, driven by education, hard work, and active community participation. “I stand before you not simply to launch a summer enrichment program,” the President declared. “I stand before you to unleash a promise—that in this 21st century, Liberia will rise through the power of its youth. And that rise to glory will begin with education.”

The new initiative distinguishes itself from some earlier Liberian youth programs by its comprehensive and integrated approach. While past initiatives, such as the President’s Young Professionals Programme (PYPP) under former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, primarily focused on placing highly competitive university graduates in government roles, or the National Youth Volunteer Service (NYVS), which targeted graduates for community support, the Boakai administration’s program aims for a wider embrace. It seeks to address foundational challenges like poor literacy and numeracy rates across a broader spectrum of young Liberians.

A cornerstone of the program is the Ministry of State Scholarship Program, which currently supports over 400 students across 20 universities and technical colleges, ensuring opportunities regardless of background. A unique element, setting it apart from many prior standalone scholarship initiatives, is the recruitment of 100 youth teachers directly from this scholarship pool, transforming them into mentors and educators for their peers – fostering a direct lineage of leadership.

Furthermore, unlike some previous youth employment projects that often focused on general income generation or skills training, President Boakai’s initiative places a distinct emphasis on youth-led green entrepreneurship. He highlighted examples like the local production of recycled school bags, which convert waste into employment, signaling a strong push towards environmental sustainability and a circular economy driven by young innovators.

Perhaps one of the most striking differences is the mandatory community service component for all scholarship recipients. While volunteerism has long been encouraged, this program explicitly links academic opportunity with a civic obligation, reinforcing that “with opportunity comes responsibility.” These students will apply their learning in real-world settings such as schools, clinics, and farms, directly contributing to national development.

“These scholarships are not just about imbibing theories; they are about nation-building,” the President stated, reiterating his belief that the youth are not just future leaders but “the leaders of today.” This powerful message challenges young Liberians to take immediate ownership of their nation’s progress, a shift from models that primarily prepared youth for future roles.

President Boakai expressed gratitude to educators, development partners, and communities for their support, calling for education to become a “national obsession” and youth a “national treasure.” This initiative underscores the Boakai Administration’s commitment to inclusive education, youth empowerment, and a sustainable transformation of Liberia, aiming to build on past efforts with a more integrated, impactful, and youth-driven approach.