-Pres. Boakai Charges Students as He Re-Launches Domestic Scholarships
By: G Bennie Bravo Johnson I
President Joseph Nyumah Boakai has urged beneficiaries of the National Domestic Scholarship Program to remain focused on maintaining the required Grade Point Average (GPA) as a crucial pathway to positively contribute to Liberia’s future.
“Remain focused and study hard to maintain the required GPA as scholars. Education is the only way to contribute to nation-building,” the Liberian President emphasized during the official re-launch of the Domestic Scholarship Program, which awarded scholarships to 424 successful university applicants. This key initiative aims to provide educational opportunities to Liberian students and enhance their academic journeys.
Speaking at the ceremony on Saturday, December 7, 2024, President Boakai highlighted the vital role of youth in the nation’s future, stating that empowering them is essential for Liberia’s progress. He urged scholarship recipients to utilize the opportunity to give back to society, expressing enthusiasm for the student projects presented at the event.
The President stressed the importance of inclusion, acknowledging the hardships parents faced during the civil crisis and their ongoing challenges in supporting their children’s education. “Our gathering here is not about political affiliation. This process is not about the UP or CDC; it is about Liberia. No matter where you are from or who you are, there should be no discrimination because our priority is to empower the youth of this country,” he noted.
According to President Boakai, the program, overseen by the Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs, aims to enhance access to higher-quality education, provide financial aid to underprivileged students, and support the government’s ARREST Agenda through academic empowerment.
It is worth noting that the vetting process for the scholarships began months ago, during which approximately 700 applications were received from various universities. After a transparent vetting process, around 455 applicants were shortlisted and invited to an information session at the EJS Ministerial Complex, with a total of 424 successfully participating and becoming eligible for the program.
During the information session, President Boakai revealed that students were tasked with presenting comprehensive project plans to identify problems in their communities and schools. This initiative allowed them to address these issues as a means of giving back to society and showcasing their ideas before the program’s official launch.
Students were organized into ten teams to discuss potential projects they could undertake to help mentor others. “Interestingly, I am leaving this hall today with great excitement, carrying the mindset that young people may not know everything. However, what has been displayed here today by these young minds indicates that the future is bright, and Liberia will become the best country we all envision,” he stated.
Initially, a total of one hundred and fifty thousand dollars was allocated for the program, but this amount has since increased due to the significance attached to the initiative and support from potential partners, donors, guests, and non-governmental organizations, among others.
