The Liberian government, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has unveiled a revitalized National Youth Service Program, injecting US$1 million into an initiative designed to bolster youth employment and skill development. This significant investment underscores the government’s commitment to addressing youth unemployment, a persistent challenge in Liberia and across the African continent. The program, officially launched during the 2025 National Cadet Program ceremony, aims to provide short-term employment and internship opportunities for young Liberians, equipping them with practical experience and enhancing their job readiness for the competitive job market. Minister of Youth and Sports, Jeror Cole Banggalu, emphasized the government’s dedication to the program’s success, highlighting its potential to transform the lives of young people and contribute to national development. He also acknowledged the vital partnership with UNDP, recognizing their shared commitment to youth empowerment and sustainable development.
The National Cadet Program, a core component of the broader National Youth Service Program, represents a structured pathway for young graduates to gain valuable work experience. The program places selected cadets within government ministries, agencies, and private sector organizations, offering them a chance to apply their academic knowledge in real-world settings. This year’s program will target 150 high-achieving graduates from universities and vocational institutions across several counties, including Montserrado, Grand Bassa, Nimba, Lofa, and Grand Cape Mount. The program’s expansion from its initial cohort of 75 participants reflects its growing impact and the government’s commitment to scaling up its reach. The focus on including more young women and individuals with disabilities further demonstrates the program’s emphasis on inclusive development.
Participants in the three-month internship program will receive a monthly stipend of $200, providing crucial financial support to cover living expenses while they gain practical workplace skills. This stipend not only incentivizes participation but also ensures that financial constraints do not prevent deserving young people from accessing this valuable opportunity. The program’s design aims to bridge the gap between academic learning and practical application, addressing the often-cited challenge of graduates lacking the necessary experience to secure employment. By offering hands-on training and mentorship, the program aims to equip young people with the skills and confidence they need to succeed in their chosen fields.
The UNDP’s Deputy Resident Representative for Programme in Liberia, Louis Kuukpen, lauded the government’s investment in youth development, emphasizing that such initiatives are essential for Liberia’s future prosperity. He described the cadet program as not just a temporary placement but a launchpad for careers, innovation, and entrepreneurship, urging participants to fully embrace the opportunities presented to them. Kuukpen’s endorsement underscores the UNDP’s recognition of the program’s potential to create a positive ripple effect, fostering economic growth and social progress. The program aligns with the UNDP’s broader development goals, which prioritize poverty reduction, inequality reduction, and the promotion of sustainable livelihoods.
The National Cadet Program operates within a larger framework, the UNDP’s Livelihood and Employment Creation Project, a $7.8 million initiative designed to tackle poverty and inequality while promoting sustainable income-generating activities across Liberia. This five-year project, launched in May 2021, provides a comprehensive approach to addressing the complex challenges of unemployment and economic disparity. The Cadet Program serves as a key component of this broader project, contributing directly to its overarching goals. The government’s ambition to expand the program to include 300 youths this year, reaching all 15 sub-political divisions of the country, signifies its commitment to equitable development and its recognition of the need to empower young people across all regions.
The National Cadet Program has demonstrated tangible results since its inception, with a significant increase in participation and a strong emphasis on gender inclusivity. To date, 322 youths have benefited from the program, with a 51% female participation rate. Furthermore, a notable 57.1% of employed female cadets have successfully transitioned into permanent roles after completing the program. These statistics highlight the program’s effectiveness in empowering young women and facilitating their entry into the workforce. The program’s ongoing success serves as a testament to the power of targeted interventions and collaborative partnerships in addressing the persistent challenges of youth unemployment and promoting sustainable development. The Liberian government’s commitment to expanding the program, coupled with UNDP’s continued support, promises to further enhance its impact and contribute to a brighter future for young Liberians.
