Monrovia, Liberia – July 28, 2025 — In a strategic move to advance grassroots development and youth empowerment, Representative Prince A. Toles of Montserrado County District #8 has officially broken ground on three community-based infrastructure projects designed to promote education, recreation, and local economic growth. The initiatives, launched in the Capitol Hill community, include the renovation of a basketball court, the construction of a multipurpose town hall with a digital reading center, and the establishment of a community-run car wash.
These projects form part of Rep. Toles’ broader agenda to deliver inclusive and sustainable development, with a focus on youth engagement and local enterprise. The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by residents, youth leaders, and local stakeholders, who welcomed the developments as signs of responsive and participatory governance.
Sports Infrastructure as a Social Investment
The renovation and expansion of the local basketball court marks the first of the three projects. According to Rep. Toles, the upgraded facility will go beyond recreational use to serve as a community hub for youth development and athletic training. Enhancements will include court resurfacing, seating expansion, and the installation of new sports equipment.
“This basketball court is more than just a play space,” Toles said. “It’s an investment in our youth—a place where discipline, teamwork, and community pride can be cultivated.”
This initiative is in line with efforts to reduce youth vulnerability by providing structured and constructive outlets, especially in urban districts facing high levels of youth unemployment and disengagement.
Education Through Technology: The Town Hall Initiative
Central to the development plan is the construction of a multipurpose town hall, which will host a digital children’s reading center. This facility aims to bridge the digital divide by providing children access to internet-enabled learning tools and educational resources. The inclusion of a digital literacy component signals a deliberate push to prepare District #8’s younger population for an increasingly knowledge-driven economy.
“This town hall is a symbol of modern community development,” Rep. Toles explained. “From hosting town meetings to preparing our children for the digital age, it will serve as an inclusive and educational space for all.”
The initiative aligns with national goals of improving literacy and expanding access to digital education, especially in underserved urban communities.
Employment through Innovation: Community Car Wash
The third project—a community-run car wash—has been framed as a practical response to youth unemployment. Designed to be self-sustaining and locally managed, the car wash is expected to create employment and generate revenue for young people and aspiring entrepreneurs in the district.
“We’re not waiting on foreign investors to create jobs for our youth,” Toles stated. “This car wash is a grassroots solution that empowers our own people to earn a dignified living.”
Support for Micro-Enterprises
In a further boost to local livelihoods, Rep. Toles presented a check for L$250,000 to support small business owners in the district. The financial injection is intended to enhance micro-enterprise operations and strengthen the local economy.
“Small businesses are the backbone of any resilient economy,” he noted. “With the right support, they can lift families out of poverty and drive community growth.”
A Holistic Approach to District Development
These initiatives collectively represent a multidimensional approach to development—blending recreation, education, and economic empowerment into a unified strategy for local transformation. As the projects move forward, Rep. Toles’ focus appears centered on inclusion, sustainability, and building a development model that places community members at the heart of implementation.
The groundbreaking ceremony concluded with expressions of gratitude from residents, many of whom described the projects as long-overdue steps toward meaningful progress in District #8.
