The Finance and Development Planning Minister, Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, has urged governmental agencies to promptly take in outstanding trainees after the completion of the Ministry's Young Professionals Internship Program, highlighting that empowering young people and advancing national growth continue to be key components of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai's agenda.
The final event took place on Thursday at the MFDP office in Monrovia, signifying the end of a six-month program that sent more than 200 young Liberians to important governmental organizations.
The initiative sought to provide young people with hands-on abilities, introduce them to the workings of government services, and promote responsibility and effectiveness within governmental bodies.
This perspective belongs to the President," Minister Ngafuan said to the audience. "We are the ones bringing the President's grand vision to life. He cares deeply for his nation and particularly for young individuals. This initiative was created to support youth and provide them with hands-on opportunities.
Minister Ngafuan stated that this effort is an element of a larger national plan aimed at incorporating young experts into decision-making systems, while also making sure they are ready to assume leadership positions down the line.
He emphasized financial provisions focused on advancing young people's growth, such as $3 million designated for the Presidential Youth Empowerment Initiative and around $1 million allocated for the National Service Program within the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
He emphasized, 'The main aim is that nobody should be overlooked.' Some individuals will stand out, others might not, but our objective is to make sure each young person from Liberia gets the chance to develop and participate. We have no issue with any organization hiring these young experts right now. If they can employ them at this moment, they should. Outstanding trainees should be permanently hired without delay.
Minister Ngafuan shared his own experiences to highlight the significance of discipline, expertise, and mindset in advancing one's professional life.
Thinking back to when he was an 18-year-old intern at the Liberia Petroleum Refining Company (LPRC) in 1988, he highlighted that achievement depends not just on abilities but also on hard work, courtesy, being on time, and dedication.
Eventually, it's not only your abilities but also your mindset—A-T-T-I-T-U-D-E—that will shape your journey," he stated. "Some among you today could become future Ministers of Finance, Managing Directors of LWSC and NTA, legislators, and national figures. I believe in that possibility. Aim high, put in the effort, and stay strong. Although challenges might arise, your persistence, commitment, and optimism will outline your achievements.
He encouraged trainees to develop a strong sense of professional conduct in all areas of their tasks, emphasizing that minor elements like punctuality, adhering to schedules, and showing courtesy toward coworkers hold equal significance to technical expertise.
You behavior will set you apart from others," he stated. "We are focusing not just on developing your abilities but also on shaping your mental approach towards leadership and outstanding performance.
After comments from Minister Ngafuan, LWSC Chief Executive Officer Mohammed Ali praised the interns for their measurable contribution to the organization's activities.
He called the internship life-changing, pointing out that the inclusion of interns brought about notable enhancements in responsibility and effectiveness inside the company.
Corruption goes beyond merely taking money. It also involves taking away time," Ali stated. "The study carried out by these interns uncovered several cases of absence, resulting in reduced efficiency. Their findings were highly insightful and quickly addressed by management, leading to tangible improvements in LWSC processes.
Ali also praised the MFDP Human Resources Division, emphasizing the outstanding contribution of an individual named Ruby, who carefully oversaw the trainees and ensured regular interaction between department leaders and the new employees.
He mentioned that this neglect guaranteed that trainees were not just acquiring knowledge but also making meaningful contributions toward enhancing organizational procedures.
On behalf of the Managing Director of the National Transit Authority (NTA), Deputy Managing Director Togar Melvin Cephas highlighted the two-fold advantage of the internship initiative: tackling youth joblessness and offering prompt assistance with daily tasks. Recently, the NTA added 35 new buses to its collection, increasing the demand for staff to handle expanded activities.
Cephas stated, 'The interns arrived at an opportune moment.' Currently, NTA has more than 35 interns who have made substantial contributions to our activities. We strongly recommend that the MFDP take into account providing compensation and keeping them onboard. These individuals have shown skill and preparedness for permanent positions.'
Cephas added that keeping interns within governmental organizations would cost around $420,000 per year.
He emphasized that the investment would result in benefits through enhanced efficiency and better service provision. "The initial group of interns has demonstrated their worth," he stated. "This initiative is more than just a training opportunity; it represents an investment in Liberia's upcoming leaders."
Several interns were assigned to various important organizations such as the MFDP, Monrovia City Corporation (MCC), Paynesville City Corporation (PCC), LWSC, and the NTA. The initiative offered opportunities to learn about financial management, strategic operations, and government services, while promoting values like responsibility and professional conduct.
The final ceremony was joined by senior government representatives, department directors, and the trainees themselves. The gathering showcased the achievements of the training program in enhancing Liberia's workforce capacity, while also paving the way for upcoming efforts focused on empowering young people.
Minister Ngafuan highlighted that the initiative is an integral component of a larger plan aimed at ensuring that young people from Liberia do not miss out. He pledged that the government will keep track of the program, assess its results, and expand it to create additional prospects for the nation’s younger generation.
Several among you will stand out, and we urge agencies to identify and integrate these individuals right away," he stated. "We are establishing routes toward leadership roles, ensuring that no aspiring professional gets overlooked. Our current position is improved compared to before, and our future state will surpass the present one. We aim to unlock additional opportunities, illuminate more paths, and increase chances for more Liberians to experience happiness.
The event ended with cheers from those present, as several shared hope for the future of the trainees and their possible impact on Liberia's growth. The MFDP training initiative has not merely offered young Liberians hands-on exposure but has also highlighted the administration's dedication to fostering an efficient, principled, and progressive civil service.
With the program coming to an end, Minister Ngafuan’s statement makes it evident: the government is prepared to support young people, acknowledge ability, and facilitate smooth transitions for outstanding trainees into valuable jobs, aligning with both individual career ambitions and Liberia's overall growth objectives.
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