By Patrick Teah, Jr
The Government of Liberia, through the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the National Youth Pathway Program, has officially launched the 2026 Cadet Program in Gbarnga, Bong County, bringing together 1,100 young Liberians selected from across the country.
Held on May 15, 2026 at the Bong County Administrative Building, the launch marked the beginning of what government officials described as a major effort to prepare Liberian youths for employment and national service.
The initiative, launched under the theme, “Driving a Paradigm Shift: Building Disciplined, Skilled, and Impact-Driven Cadets,” attracted participants from all fifteen counties of Liberia. The selected cadets emerged from a competitive process involving applications, vetting, and storytelling exercises from an initial pool of more than 3,000 applicants.
Officially launching the program, Finance and Development Planning Minister Hon. Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan described the initiative as an important investment in Liberia’s youthful population.
Speaking during the ceremony, Youth and Sports Minister Cllr. Cornelia Kruah said the government is determined to create opportunities for young people who continue to face difficulties entering the job market due to limited work experience.
She stressed that Liberian youths should no longer be viewed only as future leaders, but as active contributors to national development today.
According to Cllr. Kruah, the Cadet Program is intended to build discipline, leadership, and professional capacity among participants while preparing them for future employment opportunities.
She encouraged the cadets to remain committed, respectful, punctual, and disciplined throughout the six-month training period, noting that performance during the program could open doors to future employment.
The Youth and Sports Minister also praised President Joseph Nyuma Boakai for supporting youth-centered programs aimed at changing the narrative for young Liberians.
Deployment of the 1,100 cadets is expected to begin on June 1, 2026.
The Cadet Program is a six-month training and educational initiative designed to provide young Liberians with practical workplace experience and a pathway toward long-term employment.
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