Liberian President Joseph N. Boakai has officially re-launched the Domestic Scholarship Program for 424 successful applicants.
During the launch, Saturday, December 7, 2024 in Monrovia, Boakai described the scholarship as a key initiative aimed at providing educational opportunities to Liberian students and enhancing their educational sojourn.
The Liberian leader said inclusion is important considering the difficulties parents faced during the civil crisis and their continued challenges in supporting their children’s education.
Overseen by the Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs, President Boakai also seeks to enhance access to higher and quality education, provide financial aid for underprivileged students who wish to pursue their education but are held back by financial constraints, and to support the government’s ARREST Agenda through academic empowerment.
The president further emphasized that the youth are the future of the nation; stating, if Liberia is to progress, the youth must be empowered.
“With this opportunity, recipients need to give back to society. I am excited by the students’ projects presented here today,” he said.
Boakai said that the gathering was not about political affiliation; it is about Liberia and no matter where you are from or who you are, there should be no discrimination because the priority of the scholarship is to empower the youth of the country.
He disclosed that during the information session, students were asked to present a comprehensive project plan identifying problems in their communities and schools which allowed them to work on issues as a way of giving back to society.
“Interestingly, I am leaving this hall today with great excitement, carrying the mindset that young people may not know everything. However, what has been displayed here today by these young minds indicates that the future is bright and Liberia will become the best country we all envision,” President Boakai said.
However, he urged students to remain focused and study hard to maintain the required GPA as scholars. It can be recalled, during the vetting process, approximately 700 applications were received from various universities.
After the process, about 455 applicants were shortlisted and invited to an information session at the EJS Ministerial Complex and a total of 424 successfully participated making them eligible for the first batch of the scholarship scheme.
By Prince Saah
