Supported By The UNDP
By Alfred Kollie, alfredkolliejr92@gmail.com
Paynesville City, Liberia – In a significant boost for youth empowerment, the Minister of Youth and Sports, Jeror Cole Banggalu has announced an allocation of $1 million for the reintroduction of the National Youth Service Program also known as the cadet program.
The launch of the 2025 National Cadet Program took place earlier this week (April 10, 2025).
Held at the Ministry of Youth and Sports in Paynesville City, the event marks the fourth edition of the Cadet Program, which is supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Liberia in conjunction with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
This initiative aims to provide short-term employment and internship opportunities across government ministries, agencies, and the private sector, focusing on enhancing job readiness and offering practical experiences.
Speaking at the launch, Minister Banggalu emphasized the government’s commitment to the Cadet Program, stating, “We are serious about this initiative and will ensure its successful implementation alongside UNDP Liberia.
” The minister highlighted the success of past cadets, many of whom have secured permanent roles in government following their internships.
The 2025 edition of the program will select 150 high-achieving graduates from universities and vocational institutions in several counties, including Montserrado, Grand Bassa, Nimba, Lofa, and Grand Cape Mount. Participants will receive a monthly stipend of $200 for the three-month internships, helping them gain essential workplace skills while covering living expenses.
Deputy Resident Representative at UNDP Liberia, Louis Kuukpen, lauded the government’s ongoing efforts in youth development, asserting, “Investing in youth is an investment in the future of our country.”
He noted that the Cadet Program has seen significant growth since its inception, expanding from 75 participants in its first year to 150 in 2025, with a focus on including young women and persons with disabilities to promote inclusive development.
The program, part of the broader Livelihood and Employment Creation Project backed by a $7.8 million investment, is designed to combat poverty and inequality while enhancing sustainable income-generating activities across Liberia.
To date, 322 youths have benefited from the Cadet Program, with a 51% female participation rate and a notable retention of 57.1% among employed female cadets.
Minister Banggalu expressed gratitude to UNDP for their partnership, highlighting ongoing efforts to expand the program further.
The government aims to include 300 youths in 2025, reaching all 15 sub-political divisions of the country, despite challenges related to reduced donor funding.
In closing, the minister reiterated the government’s dedication to youth welfare, stating, “It is our responsibility to improve the lives of our citizens, especially our youth.”
The 5 years US$7.8m project, which was launched on May 13, 2021, is being executed under the UNDP National Implementation Modality, consistent with the Standard Basic Assistance Agreement between UNDP and the Government of Liberia and the Country Program.
In addition to the Youth Cadet Internship Program, the Livelihood Project focuses on Agriculture and Micro and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises in Cape Mount, Montserrado, Grand Bassa, Sinoe, Grand Gedeh, Nimba and Lofa, Its main objective is to contribute to the reduction of poverty and inequality by supporting initiatives that engage poor and vulnerable households/population in sustainable income generation activities with special emphasis on women, youth and persons living with disabilities who are often at the worst end of the economic spectrum.
“On behalf of the Government, I want to thank the UNDP for their continuous support to the Government through these programs,” said the Minister of Commerce and Industry
The Livelihood Project is said to have made tremendous impacts, including the Cadet Program, which we are launching the 4th Cohort today, the Growth Accelerator Program, the Youth Business Plan Competition, the Community Youth Eco-Brigade, grants to vulnerable groups including women, youths, and persons living with a disability.
The Commerce Minister further explained:
“We want to inform you that the Ministry of Commerce and Industry is pleased with the gender balance within the Cadet Program.
To date, about 322 youths have benefited from the Government’s Cadet Program with 51% female participation. Out of these 322 beneficiaries, about 133 youths have been employed, with a 57.1% female retention rate.
When UNDP last visited me at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, I emphasized the importance of this program to our people and made a humble request for additional funding for the next 5 years.
I still make the same plead today for such support. I also promised that the Government, through the Ministry of Commerce and Industry has placed in its budget for the year 2025 a widow’s mite amount of US$100,000 as co-funding to show our commitment to this Livelihood Program.
Since job creation is a priority to this Government, I am requesting that the US$100,000 be allocated for the Youth Cadet Program to provide jobs for an additional 150 youths, making it 300 youths for the year 2025.
I have been briefed by my team that the US$ 1m allocated this year for the Livelihood Program has been delayed, and only US$1m is available due to the cutting of funds or support by major donors like the United States Government. My team has also informed me that the US1m has been allocated to priority areas like the Cadet Program and the Growth Accelerated Program.”
The Minister added that the Liberian government is aware of these challenges, and we will continue to work with partners like you as we identify options to improve the lives of our people.
“It is the responsibility of any Government to provide for its citizens, a pledge we are committed to. We are requesting that the 2025 Cadet’s Program cover the entire 15 sub-political divisions of our country to include other counties like Grand Kru, Maryland, River Gee, River Cess, Bong, Bomi, and Gbarpolu.”
According to Liberian officials, this goes to every aspect of the program, and it is in response to the current economic situation of our country due to the withdrawal of the USAID Programs in Liberia.