The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), through its Youth Rising Program, has empowered two students of the Harbel Multilateral Accelerated Vocational Training Program with start-up grants to establish their own businesses with one thousand United States Dollars each.
The empowerment ceremony, held on Monday, January 26, 2026, in Harbel City, forms part of UNIDO’s ongoing effort to promote youth, entrepreneurship, self-employment, and sustainable livelihoods among young people in Liberia.
The two beneficiaries, Alexis Zaiguah and Henrietta Kpan, emerged successful after participating in a competitive business proposal process organized under the Youth Rising Program.
Speaking to Verity News shortly after the presentation, UNIDO Communication and Visibility Expert, T. Mark Korpu, disclosed that the initiative is designed to support a total of 30 students drawn from various vocational disciplines. According to him, beneficiaries are required to develop and present business plans that align with their areas of study and demonstrate strong potential for sustainability.
Korpu explained that the students were guided through the process of crafting viable business proposals known as “page” which focuses on self-employment and income generation. He further clarified that the financial support provided to the beneficiaries is a grant and not a loan, meaning it is non-refundable.
However, he emphasized that UNIDO will closely monitor the use of the funds to ensure accountability and effective utilization.
“The proper use of these grants will not only ensure the success of the beneficiaries but will also create opportunities for future interventions,” Korpu noted.
The two beneficiaries expressed profound appreciation to UNIDO, describing the initiative as a life-changing opportunity that has given them hope for a better future. They pledged to use the funds responsibly to build sustainable businesses that will make them independent, self-reliant, and productive members of society.
Also speaking at the event, the Coordinator of the Harbel Multilateral Accelerated Vocational Training Program, William Boyce, encouraged the beneficiaries to use the grants wisely. He noted that the success of the students would reflect positively on the institution and could attract more development opportunities for the school.
The Youth Rising Program continues to play a vital role in empowering young people with practical skills, entrepreneurship training, and financial support aimed at reducing unemployment and promoting economic growth.
