Liberia’s Digital Education Initiative: Empowering 10,000 Youth for a Tech-Driven Future

President Joseph Nyumah Boakai has outlined a plan to empower over ten thousand Liberian youth in digital education during the first six months of his tenure. This initiative, announced in his first State of the Nation Address at the Capitol on January 29, 2024, reflects a commitment to advancing digital education and equipping the youth with skills necessary for the evolving landscape. President Boakai emphasized the goal of achieving a robust Liberian middle class within the next six years, underlining the importance of education and empowerment for the country's future development.

President Joseph Nyumah Boakai has revealed plans to leverage Information Communication Technology (ICT) to expand the Liberian economy and create jobs, particularly for the youth. This initiative is driven by the recognition that the unemployment rate in the country remains high. President Boakai emphasized the importance of empowering Liberian entrepreneurship and providing increased support to foster inclusive and sustainable growth. The administration aims to revive 'The Made in Liberia' initiative, focusing on promoting local industries and contributing to job creation and economic development in the country.

President Joseph Nyumah Boakai highlighted the critical role of education as a beacon of hope but expressed concern over the downward spiral of the educational system in Liberia over the years. He acknowledged that the current state of education has left many Liberian children without the necessary tools to build a better future. President Boakai emphasized the urgency of addressing this issue, stating that education is not a privilege but a fundamental right. He underscored the need to confront the challenges facing the educational system and work towards ensuring that a significant portion of the population does not struggle with a lack of access to quality education.

He emphasized the integral role of quality education in the fight against poverty, stating, "there is no other way that we can genuinely seek to successfully fight poverty without the provision of quality education for our people." In recognition of this, President Boakai announced a steadfast commitment to revitalizing the educational system under his administration.

The commitment of President Joseph Nyumah Boakai's administration to revitalize the educational system involves substantial investments in education infrastructure and the provision of adequate resources. This initiative reflects the administration's strong dedication to tackling the challenges within the educational sector. By prioritizing education and ensuring the availability of necessary resources, the government aims to establish a strong foundation for empowering the population. The overarching goal is to make education a cornerstone for sustainable development in Liberia, fostering the growth of individuals and contributing to the overall progress of the nation.