Youth & Sports Extends Literacy, Skills Program To Lofa

The Ministry of Youth and Sports has officially introduced its Youth Community Literacy and Skills Training Program in Lofa County, with plans to recruit approximately 300 young people in the first phase of the initiative.

The program, introduced during a stakeholder engagement in Voinjama City on October 31, 2026, seeks to provide out-of-school children and young people with essential literacy, numeracy, and practical vocational skills to improve their opportunities for personal development and economic independence.

Supported by the Luminos Fund since 2005, the initiative initially began in Nimba and Bong Counties before expanding to Margibi, Grand Kru, and Bomi Counties.

It is now being extended to Lofa and Sinoe Counties, with a separate ministry team conducting  similar stakeholder engagement in Sinoe.

Speaking during the engagement, Mr. Arkie Gailor, Assistant Director for Youth Development at the Ministry of Youth and Sports, said the meeting was intended to formally introduce the program and obtain the views, approval, and support of county stakeholders to ensure its successful implementation.

Mr. Gailor explained that the initiative primarily targets young people who have never attended school or dropped out at an early stage and are unable to read, write, or perform basic calculations.

He highlighted the everyday challenges and embarrassment faced by individuals who cannot read or write, particularly when seeking services at banks or completing official documents.

 He said the program is designed to restore confidence and equip such individuals with basic skills needed to function independently in society.

According to him, the program, which was initially designed for children aged 14 and below, has now been expanded to accommodate young people between the ages of 15 and 35, particularly those who missed out on formal education.

The curriculum covers functional literacy and numeracy, including reading, writing, and basic mathematics. Although developed with the expertise of curriculum specialists in the United States, the learning materials have been adapted to reflect the Liberian context through familiar local examples and have received approval from the Ministry of Education.

Mr. Gailor emphasized that the teaching approach is practical, interactive, and learner-friendly rather than heavily academic. He noted that some participants who previously struggled to recognize or read a few words have made significant progress, with some now able to read between 60 and 70 words and assist their children with school assignments.

The literacy component will run for six months, with classes scheduled for three hours per day, three days a week. The flexible arrangement is intended to accommodate market vendors, farmers, and other participants who have daily work and family responsibilities.

The program is completely free of charge, and existing school facilities will be used for afternoon and evening classes to make participation more accessible.

Following successful completion of the literacy training, participants will graduate with certificates and become eligible to transition into short-cycle vocational skills training in areas including soap making, tailoring, pastry and baking, and hairdressing.

However, participants must maintain between 85 and 90 percent attendance during the literacy phase to qualify for the vocational component, which will lead to the award of a second certificate.

Under the first phase of implementation in Lofa County, approximately 300 young people are expected to be recruited from Voinjama City and surrounding communities, including individuals who will serve as coaches or trainers.

Meanwhile, six educational institutions in Voinjama have been selected to host the literacy program. They include:

1. Voinjama Multilateral High School.
2. Voinjama Free Pentecostal Mission High School.
3. Lawalazu Public School, Lawalazu Town, District #4.
4. St. Joseph Catholic School, Voinjama City.
5. KormahShepherdhood School System, Voinjama City.
6. Champion of Faith Academy, Looking Town Community, Voinjama City.

The expansion of the initiative to Lofa County is expected to provide new learning opportunities for young people who have been excluded from formal education, while creating pathways for them to acquire practical skills that can support their livelihoods and future employment.