The Liberia Macroeconomic Policy Analysis Center (LIMPAC) at the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP), on Monday, September 28, commenced a five-day capacity-building training for students, and faculty members from several universities.
Held under the theme: “Empowering Students for Professional Excellence,” the training was conducted as part of the Liberia National Students Hub, a strategic initiative launched in May this year.The goal is to train more than 500 students in economic analysis and policy leadership.
The initiative, according to a release, was officially launched at the University of Liberia main campus, through stakeholder’s panel discussions on revenue mobilization and youth unemployment. The latest phase shifts the focus from dialogue to hands-on technical training. It was designed to equip participants with practical research, and communication skills.
At the start of the five-day program, participants received intensive training in Research Methods using SPSS statistical software, Artificial Intelligence (AI) for research, policy brief and factsheet development, report writing and effective communication.
Alice Williams, Finance Ministry Assistant Minister for External Resource and Debt Management, described the initiative as an important step to build the capacity of young Liberians to contribute meaningfully to national development.
“Today, we are taking the next step, moving from dialogue to capacity building, and from identifying challenges to developing the skills needed to address them.”
Madam Williams said, the program aimed to train 500 college students, and established a network of young researchers and innovators.
“we envisioned to take this initiative to all 15 counties; ensuring every Liberian student has access to opportunities for professional development.
Earlier, in his official welcome remarks, LIMPAC Executive Director, Dr. Padolo Moye, emphasized the importance of equipping students with the ability to transform data, and research findings into practical information for policymakers and the public.
“The most pressing challenges of our time demand not only rigorous analysis, but also the ability to translate that analysis into language that informed decisions, shapes policies and improve lives.” Moye said, the training is intended to help participants move beyond intuition, and develop credible, data-driven conclusions that can be communicated with clarity and purpose.
The second phase of the Liberia National Students Hub forms part of the government’s effort to build a new generation of evidence-based researchers and leaders.
By strengthening students’ capacity to conduct research, use statistical, and emerging AI tools, develop quality policy briefs, and effectively communicate findings, the initiative seeks to contribute to a stronger, and more inclusive national development process.
