At least 10,000 Liberian Youth have been awarded certificates upon completing over three months of computer and technological education from the President Joseph N. Boakai’s Digital Skills Training Program.
The training was part of the president’s 100-day deliverables to impact youth with digital knowledge, aimed at leveraging Information Communication Technology (ICT) in creating jobs.
Speaking on behalf of President Boakai Thursday, December 12, 2024, during the certification and award ceremony at the EJS Ministerial Complex in Congo Town, Minister Samuel Stevquoah, Minister of States Without Portfolio Special Services, said digital transformation is crucial in unlocking Liberia’s full potential. According to him, ICT is the backbone that supports various sectors of development, making it a key player in the government’s agenda.
Speaking under the theme, the minister without Portfolio stated that it is an event in the pillar; highlighting its significance in the development initiatives.
“When we pledged to train up to 10,000 of our youth in digital skills within the first half of the year, we knew it was an ambitious goal. But today, I am elated to proclaim it as a promise made, promise kept! This achievement is not just a piece of statistics. It should be taken as a testament to the determination of our young people and the dedication of the project teams,” he said.
Minister Stevquoah said the digital transformation program is a bold and intentional program that the government believes in; adding that it involves several components from policy frameworks, standards, and infrastructure development, to an enabling digital economy and digital society.
“We also recognize the trailblazers of this program by awarding seed funding to the first set of 50 teams of trainees who successfully submitted a proposal worthy of support. To these young entrepreneurs, I say, seize this opportunity, innovate, and contribute to the development of our nation,” he said.
President Boakai, through Minister Stevquoah, urged the beneficiaries to give back to the program so that others may benefit in the future. “You are not just beneficiaries; you are torchbearers for a new era in Liberia,” he told beneficiaries.
Minister Stevquoah said the seed-funding must be utilized to empower other sectors of the government’s ARREST Agenda, as ICT is a critical tool that can enhance productivity in health, agriculture, education, tourism and beyond.
The Minister Without Portfolio said the Digital Transformation program is not a one-off initiative. It is an ongoing endeavor aimed at embedding digital solutions into every facet of the society to enhance productivity and improve the quality of life for all Liberians.
He mandated the Ministry of Education to work closely with the Digital Transformation Project and the development partners to integrate ICT and digital skills training into high school programs.
”As interoperability is a cardinal part of the digital economy and digital society, the Digital Transformation Project will work along with key sector players, including the Central Bank of Liberia, Liberia Revenue Authority, the Accountant General’s Office, and the National Identity Registry to ensure this infrastructure is in place and is available for Government and private sector services,” he said.
