By Christian Appleton
MARYLAND COUNTY, LIBERIA – The Government of Liberia, under the leadership of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, has officially launched an ambitious initiative aimed at empowering 10,000 Liberian youth with essential digital skills. This program, which was inaugurated in Pleebo City, Maryland County, marks a significant step in the administration’s efforts to tackle the country’s high unemployment rates by providing young people with valuable training in computer science and technology.
The project is being implemented by the Liberia Research and Development Network (LRDN), a key partner in the government’s drive toward digital transformation. Speaking during an exclusive interview at the O.S. Collins Baptist School Campus, Mr. Napoleon Maxwell Weah, the team leader in Pleebo City, provided insights into the program’s objectives and structure.
“We are in a digital era now,” Mr. Weah stated. “This initiative is part of a commitment made by President Boakai to build the capacity of young Liberians in digital skills. The training will empower them to become self-employed and better qualified for employment opportunities.”
The two-week training program, which began this week, includes a comprehensive curriculum covering General Digital Skills, E-Commerce Marketing, Digital Survey, and Geographic Information System (GIS) Data Collection. Participants who successfully complete the training will receive certificates from the government, further enhancing their credentials in the job market.
Mr. Weah emphasized the importance of community support in ensuring the program’s success, urging residents of Maryland County to seize this opportunity. “Almost everything now is done by technology. You see computers and other digital equipment in every office nowadays,” he said, highlighting the increasing demand for tech-savvy professionals in today’s workforce.
The initiative has been met with enthusiasm by participants, who expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to gain critical skills that will help them thrive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. Beneficiaries noted that the program provides them with the knowledge and resources needed to secure employment or start their own businesses, thereby contributing to Liberia’s economic growth.
As the program progresses, it is expected to play a pivotal role in addressing the skills gap among Liberia’s youth and fostering a new generation of digitally empowered individuals capable of driving the country’s development forward.
