MYS Launches National Vacation Job Program to Empower Youth

MYS Launches National Vacation Job Program to Empower Youth.

Paynesville City, -Liberia –July 20,2026- The Ministry of Youth and Sports on Monday officially launched the National Vacation Job and Community Engagement Program, a youth-centered initiative aimed at providing temporary employment, promoting community service, and strengthening leadership skills among young Liberians during the school vacation.

Speaking at the launch, Acting Minister of Youth and Sports Hon. Laraamand Nyonton described the program as more than just a temporary employment opportunity, emphasizing that it is designed to transform young people into active contributors to national development.

“This program seeks to move young people from being passive observers to becoming active architects of change in their communities,”

Nyonton said, urging beneficiaries to embrace the initiative with a strong sense of civic responsibility. He noted that participants who help plan, organize, and improve their communities will develop a lasting sense of ownership and commitment to Liberia's development.

The Acting Minister also underscored the importance of national unity, noting that whether participants are deployed in Monrovia, Paynesville, Margibi, or elsewhere across the country, they all share a common responsibility to serve their communities and contribute meaningfully to national progress.

Quoting Philippians 4:13—"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me"—Nyonton expressed confidence that strong collaboration among government ministries, local authorities, and development partners would transform the Vacation Job Program into a sustainable pathway for youth empowerment beyond short-term employment.

Montserrado County Superintendent Whroway Bryant commended the Government of Liberia and the Ministry of Youth and Sports for placing confidence in young people by entrusting them with leadership responsibilities. He praised Acting Minister Nyanton and Deputy Minister for Youth Development Hon. Alphonso Belleh for bringing renewed energy to youth development, while also recognizing the partnership with the Monrovia and Paynesville City Corporations.

Bryant encouraged participants to demonstrate discipline, professionalism, and commitment throughout the program, noting that their performance could create opportunities for future employment.

Paynesville City Mayor Robert Bestman described the initiative as a practical investment in Liberia's youth.

“This program gives participants an opportunity to earn income to support their education while gaining valuable work experience,” he said.

Superintendent Byant noted that many beneficiaries will be assigned to city corporations and other public institutions, urging them to report to work on time, perform their duties diligently, and approach every assignment with seriousness, as outstanding performance could lead to future employment opportunities.

Monrovia City Mayor John-Charuk Siafa thanked President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr. and the Ministry of Youth and Sports for creating meaningful opportunities for young people. He also commended Minister Atty. Cornelia Wonkerleh Kruah and her leadership team for implementing programs that advance youth empowerment and community development.

“Treat this as an audition for a bigger job,” Siafa told participants. “Every day you report to work, act as though you are attending an interview because you never know who is watching.”

He further emphasized the values of teamwork, punctuality, discipline, accountability, and professionalism, while encouraging participants to take pride in maintaining clean and healthy communities.

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 the broader National Youth Pathway Program and expressed appreciation to the Monrovia and Paynesville City Corporations for their partnership in ensuring the successful implementation of the initiative.

The National Vacation Job and Community Engagement Program forms part of the Ministry of Youth and Sports' broader strategy to equip young Liberians with practical work experience, strengthen civic engagement, promote environmental sanitation, and prepare participants for long-term employment while contributing meaningfully to national development.