President Boakai advocates for Community Colleges to prioritize agricultural programs to enhance Liberia’s self-sufficiency.
The Liberian Leader committed to expanding international collaboration during the Bomi Community College tour.
During a visit to Bomi Community College (BCC), President Joseph Boakai outlined a vision to strengthen Liberia’s community college system. The focus will be on practical agricultural training programs to support national self-sufficiency.
On Tuesday, October 29, 2024, President Boakai toured BCC’s facilities, including its midwifery program, and engaged with students, faculty, and local leaders. He emphasized his government’s commitment to enhancing education quality through infrastructural upgrades, expanded financial aid, and strategic international partnerships to uplift Liberia’s community colleges.
President Boakai revealed plans to introduce robust agricultural programs in community colleges nationwide to equip students with essential skills in sustainable farming and food production. By embedding practical training into college curricula, the administration seeks to transform these institutions into agricultural innovation hubs, contributing directly to Liberia’s food security and economic resilience.
“These programs are designed to impart hands-on skills in areas like cassava production, sustainable agriculture, and crop management, critical for strengthening our local food systems,” President Boakai stated. He emphasized that fostering agricultural expertise at the community level is vital to building a self-sufficient Liberia resilient against external shocks.
To realize this vision, President Boakai directed the Ministry of Agriculture to collaborate closely with community colleges to develop specialized agricultural curricula. Additionally, the administration aims to partner with international organizations with agricultural expertise, enabling Liberian students to access advanced training, technology, and global insights.
President Boakai also highlighted recent scholarship initiatives to reduce financial barriers for rural students. Citing the recent award of scholarships to four BCC students, he pledged to increase such support, particularly in underserved areas, to broaden access to quality education. “By expanding scholarships, we can make higher education visible and accessible for our young Liberians’.
