Within the period of nine months under President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s leadership, the Ministry of Youth and Sports under the astute leadership of Cllr. Jeror Cole Bangalu has recorded significant gains.
The Ministry during the period in review (March-December 2024), made great advancements in vocational and technical education, skills training programs for vulnerable youth, and significant developments in sports.
As followed closely by this paper, these notable achievements which are captured within the different s departments (Administration, Youth Development, Sports, and Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET) programs, are in alignment with Pillar #5 of the government’s development plan – the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID).
First, in the area of Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET), the Monrovia Vocational Training Center (MVTC) completed the 13th training cycle with 1,949 trainees across Mechanical, Building Trades, and Electrical departments successfully leaving the walls of the MVTC.
Also, 65 TVET trainers were training in specialized areas in Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, and Zambia. There was also additional local training of 10 pioneer trainers in TVET pedagogy at the TVET Center for Research and Innovation.
Still under TVET, the Business and Domestic Occupational Training Center (BDOTC) completed its 18th training cycle with 118 trainees across Baking, Tailoring, Beauty culture, Housekeeping, and Braiding and weaving.
The European Union-funded Hospitality Hotel in Paynesville City intended to provide employment opportunities for trainees in hospitality management and generate income for the Center is also ongoing, while the EU -funded construction of a modern training facility for the BDOTC is also ongoing with great prospects.
Furthermore under TVET, Youth Agriculture Training Center (YATC) under the MYS in collaboration with the Office of the Vice President, Jeremiah Kpan-Koung conducted an assessment which aims at transitioning At-risk youth into skills development.
As part of the many deliverables, the Liberia TVET Commission Act of 2024 was passed into by House of Representatives on June 13, 2024 awaiting Senate’s concurrence. Second, under the Ministry’s Youth Development component, specifically under its Adolescent Sexual Reproductive Health Program, a total of 200 adolescents and youth benefited from the sexual and reproductive services.
The Ministry also supported 20 social workers who are conducting follow-up visits on At-Risk Youth in recovery. Interestingly, a total of 1,547 (700 males and 847 females) were reached with Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights, Mental Health and Psychosocial Support, and Sexual Gender Based Violence prevention and management services through mobile outreach in 30 communities/hotspots in Montserrado and Grand Bassa Counties.
Under the At-Risk Youth (ARY) Empowerment Program, a total of 127 ARY (including 4 children) were transitioned from Rehabilitation to Reintegration/Recovery, while 123 ARY graduates received start-up tool kits.
Remarkably, 67 targeted homeless clients were settled in homes wherein one-year house rent paid; follow-up visits were conducted on 75 out of 127 clients in recovery.
Sixty (60) clients out of 75 have improved their economic livelihood, 18 of whom are utilizing skills acquired in rehab. Under the National Youth Community Literacy Program, 282 (143 males and 139 females) beneficiaries received Literacy, Numeracy, Life skills, Civic education, and Computer literacy at two youth centers in Montserrado County.
Under the “Let Us Learn” Program, 5,010 persons were trained in Child Protection and related issues including rape, child sexual abuse, incest, sexual gender-based violence, and referral pathway.
Worthy of attention, under the National Cadet Program, 140 cadets were trained from four counties (Montserrado, Grand Bassa, Nimba, and Lofa) and are deployed in both public and private institutions for job readiness and possible employment opportunities.
Still under youth development, the Recovery of Economic Activities for Liberia Informal Sector Employment (REALISE) Project, which targets 19,000 beneficiaries in a three-year period, provided grant support to 3,055 Vulnerable Households to start small businesses.
Of this number, 6,720 beneficiaries received temporary employment support and employability development. Also, under the Action for Adolescents and Youth Development Program, 2,946 adolescents and youth at 17 youth centers from 11 counties benefited from skill training in Literacy and Numeracy, economic opportunity, and employable skills.
Third, under the Sports Development component, the Ministry organized the annual National County Sports Meet (NCSM) in the sports sector, reinforcing Liberia’s commitment to nurturing athletic talent and fostering community cohesion.
It could be recalled that in the 2023/2024 County Sports Meet, River Gee County won the football championship and received $2 million LD, while Rivercess County won the kickball championship and received $800,000 LD.
Athletes like Humphrey Grugbaye and Daniel Toe were honored for their outstanding performances in the football category, while Cecelia Acquay of Destiny Kickball Club and River Cess won both the Most Valuable Player (MVP) and Highest Home Runners Awards.
Additionally, Liberia’s international sports representation was highlighted by Joseph Fahnbulleh reaching the 200m finals at the Paris Olympics, alongside multiple medals earned at the CAA Region 2 Championship in Ghana and the African Senior Championship in Cameroon.
Among other things, in a bid to further support national sports, the SKD Sports Complex is undergoing government-funded upgrades, including new floodlights, seating, and facilities to meet international standards.
