PAYNESVILLE, Liberia – July 20, 2026 – The Ministry of Youth and Sports (MYS) has officially launched its National Vacation Job and Community Engagement Program, a nationwide initiative designed to provide temporary employment, practical work experience, and leadership opportunities for young Liberians during the school vacation period.
The program, launched Monday in Paynesville City, forms part of the Ministry’s broader National Youth Pathway Program, which seeks to strengthen youth empowerment through employment, civic engagement, environmental sanitation, and community development.
Speaking at the launch, Acting Minister of Youth and Sports Hon. Laraamand Nyonton described the initiative as more than a vacation employment scheme, saying it is intended to develop a new generation of responsible and community-minded young leaders.
“This program seeks to move young people from being passive observers to becoming active architects of change in their communities,” Nyonton said.
He urged beneficiaries to approach the opportunity with discipline and a strong sense of civic responsibility, stressing that active participation in community development would cultivate ownership, patriotism, and a long-term commitment to national progress.
Nyonton also emphasized that participants, regardless of where they are assigned across Liberia, share a common responsibility to serve their communities and contribute to the country’s development.
Quoting Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” the Acting Minister expressed confidence that sustained collaboration among government institutions, local authorities, and development partners would transform the initiative into a lasting platform for youth empowerment beyond temporary employment.
Montserrado County Superintendent Whroway Bryant praised the Government of Liberia for investing in young people and entrusting them with greater responsibilities.
He commended Acting Minister Nyonton and Deputy Minister for Youth Development Hon. Alphonso Y. Belleh for their leadership in advancing youth development while recognizing the support of the Monrovia and Paynesville City Corporations.
Bryant encouraged participants to demonstrate professionalism, discipline, and dedication throughout the program, noting that exceptional performance could open doors to future employment opportunities.
Paynesville City Mayor Robert Bestman described the initiative as a practical investment in Liberia’s future, saying it provides young people with an opportunity to earn income while acquiring valuable workplace experience.
He urged beneficiaries assigned to city corporations and public institutions to report to work punctually, carry out their duties responsibly, and treat every assignment as an opportunity to prove themselves.
Monrovia City Mayor John-Charuk Siafa also applauded President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr. and the Ministry of Youth and Sports for creating meaningful opportunities for Liberia’s youth.
Siafa praised Minister of Youth and Sports Atty. Cornelia Wonkerleh Kruah and her leadership team for implementing programs that promote youth empowerment and community development.
“Treat this as an audition for a bigger job,” Siafa advised participants. “Every day you report to work, act as though you are attending an interview because you never know who is watching.”
He further encouraged the young participants to uphold the values of teamwork, punctuality, accountability, discipline, and professionalism while taking pride in keeping their communities clean and healthy.
Earlier, Deputy Minister for Youth Development Hon. Alphonso Y. Belle welcomed government officials, development partners, and beneficiaries on behalf of Minister Kruah.
He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to expanding opportunities for young Liberians through the National Youth Pathway Program and thanked the Monrovia and Paynesville City Corporations for partnering with the Ministry to ensure the successful implementation of the initiative.
The National Vacation Job and Community Engagement Program is expected to provide hundreds of young Liberians with meaningful work experience while strengthening civic participation, promoting environmental sanitation, and preparing participants with the skills and experience needed for future employment.
Government officials expressed optimism that the initiative will not only address short-term employment needs during the vacation period but also contribute to building a more productive, responsible, and empowered generation capable of driving Liberia’s long-term national development.
