Wednesday, July 9, 2025, was a wet day in Monrovia, but the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex rang with applause when 36,000 adolescent girls and young women came together to celebrate the conclusion of their time with BRAC Liberia’s Cohort 2 of the Mastercard Foundation Accelerating Impact for Young Women (AIM) programme.
According to the a release sent to paper over the weekend, the event marked the completion of one year of life skills, entrepreneurship, and social empowerment training delivered through 240 AIM clubs. It also marked the launch of Cohort 3, welcoming a new cohort of participants in the AIM clubs. Branded “the new generation of Liberia” by the Guest of Honour, Liberia’s former Vice President, Her Excellency Chief Dr Jewel Howard-Taylor, the participants come from across seven counties, including Montserrado, Margibi, Bong, Lofa, Nimba, Grand Gedeh, and Grand Bassa.
“Now is the time to make your dreams a reality by using the skills you have learned, and show self-reliance as active agents of change in your society,” former Vice President Howard-Taylor said. She recounted when she nearly stepped down from her role, but realized it would affect young female leaders.
She commended BRAC for its holistic, community-driven approach, highlighting its work in promoting financial inclusion for women, particularly the startup grant worth USD 1.58 million that helped 11,468 participants to establish small businesses. “As you succeed, BRAC Liberia will be motivated to support even more women,” she noted. The former Vice President, serving as the event’s keynote speaker, emphasized the importance of capacity building and participants to never settle for less, while consistently striving for excellence.
During the one year of training with AIM, participants showed leadership and resilience, said BRAC Liberia Country Director, Juvenalius Cyprain Kuruletera. He praised the frontline staff of over 1,200 working in 75 branches across Liberia, noting the programme’s impact and its alignment with Liberia’s ARREST Agenda. He mentioned how graduates often move into BRAC’s ecosystem of holistic support through its microfinance programme.
“We fight poverty in all 15 counties, linking training with loans, health, and energy access. Together, we can ensure every Liberian girl has the tools, services, and network she needs,” Mr. Kuruletera said, adding that “Our journey continues, powered by partnerships, grounded in community, and driven by the belief that empowering women transforms nations.”
BRAC Liberia AIM Programme Manager Alexis Keni-Keni stated that the goal is to enhance the life skills and education of adolescent girls and young women, enabling them to make decisions and pursue their aspirations. “The BRAC Liberia AIM programme, supported by the Mastercard Foundation, will empower over 160,000 adolescent girls and young women by 2031,” he told the gathering.
According to him, “The second cohort programme reached 36,000 participants, focusing on social empowerment, economic empowerment, and an enabling environment across 36 branches and 240 clubs.” Mr. Keni-Keni revealed that 448 participants have enrolled in TVET courses such as catering, cosmetology, and tailoring. Additionally, 11,684 participants received USD 135 each for small businesses, while 2,444 received livestock (goat or pig), and others received agricultural support like tools, seeds, and training for advancing farming initiatives.
BRAC Liberia Microfinance CEO Dyson Mandivenga highlighted how BRAC’s programmes contribute to Liberia’s development plan – the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development. He mentioned how BRAC Liberia’s microfinance programme focuses on remote areas, and particularly women. He stressed that when women are uplifted, the ripple effects are felt across the wider communities.
Deputy Minister for Youth Development at the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Minister J Bryant McGill, praised the participants for their hard work and dedication, noting their journey was tough. “You have learned, gained skills, made connections, and most importantly, discovered your ability to lead, serve, and inspire. Remember, graduation marks the start of new responsibilities,” he said.
Attorney Laura Golakeh, Deputy Minister for Gender at the Ministry of Gender, Children & Social Protection, confirmed the programme’s alignment with the Government’s ARREST Agenda, especially in Education and Economic Empowerment. As she welcomed Cohort 3 of the AIM Programme, she stated, “By giving girls life skills, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship training, AIM directly supports national goals in agriculture and job creation. These graduates will lead, innovate, and drive Liberia’s progress.” BRAC International, recognized for its community-driven development efforts in 13 countries around the world, continues to make an impact in Liberia through its nationwide programmes.
Since 2008, BRAC Liberia has delivered community-led projects across 15 counties, in the areas of microfinance, youth empowerment, and agriculture and food security. To date, BRAC has reached over 1.1 million Liberians, promoting inclusive growth, resilience, and financial inclusion in line with the Government’s ARREST Agenda. As Cohort 3 begins this July, BRAC Liberia invites donors, government partners, and private sector stakeholders to help expand this proven model.
