The Ministry of Youth and Sports has officially kicked off two major youth empowerment initiatives in Maryland County.
One of such initiatives has to do with the 2026 National Vacation Job Program, and the Small-Scale Grant Program, which have gathered hundreds of young people to the County Administration Building in Harper City.
Since the exercise began, large crowds of beneficiaries have reported daily for mandatory orientation, and verification.
The majority of those turning out are young women, a sign of growing female participation in national employment programs.
Beneficiaries are required to present valid identification, educational credentials, and passport-size photographs. The process is being coordinated by the Ministry’s Maryland County team, led by the County Coordinator, Reuben Freeman.
Freeman, and his staff, have verified documents, conducted the orientation sessions, and prepared beneficiaries for placement in various government, and community service roles under the program. “The goal is to ensure every eligible young person completes the process correctly, and is ready for deployment. We are committed to transparency, and made sure this opportunity reaches those who need it the most.”
The National Vacation Job Program, is designed to provide temporary employment for students, and out-of-school youth during the vacation period, while also building work experience and skills. At the same time, the Ministry has opened applications for its Small-Scale Grant Program at the county office in Harper.
The grant aims to empower young entrepreneurs, and aspiring business owners.
Freeman said, application forms are being distributed free of charge, and interested youth are encouraged to apply early. The program will provide funding support for small businesses, and income-generating activities such as petty trading, agriculture, tailoring, catering, and other micro-enterprises. Officials say, the grants are part of government’s efforts to reduce youth unemployment. The simultaneous rollout of both the programs reflects the Ministry of Youth and Sports’ commitment to create jobs, skills development, and economic empowerment for young Liberians. “This shows that government is not only creating jobs, but also supporting young people to become business owners,” one beneficiary said, while picking up a grant form.
Following the process, officials said, both the orientation for vacation jobs, and the grant application process will continue in line with the Ministry’s county implementation schedule.
