The Ministry of Youth and Sports has made significant and profound achievements within nine months under the astute and visionary leadership of Cllr. Jeror Cole Bangalu. The fiscal year 2024, highlights advancements in Vocational and Technical Education, skills programs for vulnerable youth, and significant developments in sports. The primary objectives of each of the Department’s Programs are strategically set to align with Pillar (5) of the Arrest Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID) as indicated below: Administration, Youth Development, Sports, and Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET), all contributing to sustainable youth development and empowerment.
1.0 Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET)
1.1 Monrovia Vocational Training Center (MVTC)
• 13th Training cycle completed with 1,949 trainees across Mechanical, Building Trades, and Electrical departments. Mechanical (418), Building Trade (427), and Electrical (960).
• Trained 65 TVET trainers in specialized areas in Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, and Zambia.
• Additional local training of 10 pioneer trainers in TVET pedagogy at the TVET Center for Research and Innovation.
1.2 Business and Domestic Occupational Training Center (BDOTC)
• 18th Training cycle completed with 118 trainees across Baking, Tailoring, Beauty culture, Housekeeping, and Braiding and weaving.
• Ongoing projects:
European Union-funded Hospitality Hotel in Paynesville City intended to provide employment opportunities for trainees in hospitality management and generate income for the Center.
European Union-funded construction of a modern training facility for the Business and Domestic Occupational Training Center (BDOTC).
1.3 Youth Agriculture Training Center (YATC)
• Conducted an assessment at the Youth Agriculture Training Center (YATC) in collaboration with the Office of the Vice President, H.E. Jeremiah Kpan-Koung, aimed at transitioning At-risk youth into skills development.
1.4 Legislative Project
• Passage of the Liberia TVET Commission Act of 2024 on 13th June 2024 by the Honorable House of Representatives.
2.0 Youth Development
2.1 Adolescent Sexual Reproductive Health Program
• A total of 200 adolescents and youth have benefited from the sexual and reproductive services
• Supported 20 social workers who are conducting follow-up visits on At-Risk Youth in recovery
• 1,547 (male -700, female - 847) were reached with Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights, Mental Health and Psychosocial Support, and Sexual Gender Based Violence prevention and management services through mobile outreach in 30 communities/hotspots in Montserrado and Grand Bassa Counties.
2.2 At-Risk Youth Empowerment Program
• 127 ARY (including 4 children) transitioned from Rehabilitation to Reintegration/Recovery
• 123 ARY graduates received start-up tool kits
• 67 targeted homeless clients were settled in homes; one-year house rent paid
• Follow-up visits conducted on 75 out of 127 clients in Recovery
• 60 clients out of 75 have improved in their economic livelihood
• 18 out of 75 utilizing skills acquired in rehab
2.3 National Youth Community Literacy Program
• 282 (143 males and 139 females) beneficiaries received Literacy, Numeracy, Life skills, Civic education, and Computer literacy at two youth centers in Montserrado County.
2.4 Let Us Learn Program
• 5,010 trained in Child Protection and related issues including rape, child sexual abuse, incest, sexual gender-based violence, and referral pathway.
2.5 National Cadet Program
• Trained 140 cadets from four Counties (Montserrado, Grand Bassa, Nimba, and Lofa) and deployed them in both public and private institutions for job readiness and possible employment opportunities.
2.6. Recovery of Economic Activities for Liberia Informal Sector Employment (REALISE) Project
• The project is targeting 19,000 beneficiaries (three years)
• Provided grant support to 3,055 Vulnerable Households to Start Small Businesses
• 6,720 beneficiaries received temporary employment support and employability development
2.7 Action for Adolescents and Youth Development Program
• 2,946 adolescents and youth at
• 17 Youth Centers from 11 counties benefited from skill training in Literacy and Numeracy, economic opportunity and employable skills
3.0 Sports Development
The Ministry organized the annual National County Sports Meet (NCSM) in the sports sector, reinforcing Liberia's commitment to nurturing athletic talent and fostering community cohesion. In the 2023/2024 County Meet, River Gee County won the football championship and received $2 million LD, while Rivercess County won the kickball championship and received $800,000 LD.
Athletes like Humphrey Grugbaye and Daniel Toe were honored for their outstanding performances. Liberia’s international sports representation was highlighted by Joseph Fahnbulleh reaching the 200m finals at the Paris Olympics, alongside multiple medals earned at the CAA Region 2 Championship in Ghana and the African Senior Championship in Cameroon.
The SKD Sports Complex is undergoing government-funded upgrades to further support national sports, including new floodlights, seating, and facilities to meet international standards.