Monrovia, Liberia – In a compelling address at the Second Annual Presidential Youth Town Hall, Liberia’s Minister of Education, Dr. Jarso Maley Jallah, positioned inclusive and gender-sensitive education as a cornerstone for national transformation. The event, held on Friday, July 25, 2025, at Monrovia City Hall, brought together government officials, youth leaders, and stakeholders to discuss Liberia’s evolving youth agenda under the theme “Delivering on the Youth Agenda.”
Organized by the Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs in collaboration with the National Youth Advisory Council, the forum served as a platform to reinforce President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr.’s vision of youth-centered development and inclusive governance. The President, delivering the keynote message, urged Liberia’s young people to embrace leadership with courage, integrity, and a commitment to innovation and civic responsibility.
But it was Minister Jallah’s impassioned call for an educational overhaul that emerged as a pivotal moment. In her address, she advocated for comprehensive curriculum reform and greater access to technical and vocational education, especially for marginalized groups and young women. “A transformed Liberia begins with an educated, empowered generation that leaves no one behind,” she declared, underscoring the link between equitable education and sustainable national progress.
Minister Jallah’s remarks were not merely aspirational—they reflected growing consensus that Liberia’s education system must adapt to meet 21st-century demands. Her emphasis on gender-responsive policies marked a critical step toward addressing longstanding disparities that have sidelined girls and youth from disadvantaged backgrounds. By promoting inclusive learning environments and practical skills training, the minister laid out a vision for an education system that aligns with economic realities while reinforcing social equity.
The Town Hall also featured a robust Pre-Town Hall Panel that brought together key voices from across government institutions. Minister of Youth and Sports, Cllr. J. Cole Bangalu, stressed the need for youth entrepreneurship and sports development as tools for empowerment. Minister of Labor, Hon. Cooper W. Kruah Sr., tackled the challenge of job creation and workforce readiness, highlighting the importance of aligning education with market needs.
Adding a legislative perspective, Hon. Steve Tequah, Chair of the House Committee on Youth, affirmed the Legislature’s support for youth-driven policies. Meanwhile, Mr. James Earl Kiawoin, Chairperson of the National Youth Advisory Council, advocated for increased youth representation in policy decisions and civic life.
The day’s engagements culminated in a dynamic national Q&A session that saw young people from all 15 counties engage directly with policymakers. Their questions, ideas, and policy proposals underscored the enthusiasm and readiness of Liberian youth to contribute meaningfully to national development. Importantly, the insights gathered will be compiled and presented to the President and key stakeholders, reinforcing the participatory nature of the event.
The Youth Town Hall, now in its second year, has quickly become a vital platform for inclusive dialogue and intergenerational exchange. This year’s event re-emphasized that when Liberia’s youth are heard, involved, and empowered, they can be agents of lasting change.
In her address, Minister Jallah also offered a personal challenge to young Liberians: to embody honesty, respect, and commitment in their pursuit of excellence. “You must be smart, and you must be ethical,” she urged, adding that the country’s future rests not only on opportunity but also on the character of its future leaders.
As Liberia seeks to rebuild and reimagine its institutions, the message from the 2025 Town Hall is clear: the next chapter of national development will be written not just by policies, but by people—especially the young—who are educated, included, and inspired to lead.
