President Joseph Boakai has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to repositioning Liberia, by emphasizing the need for a skilled and educated workforce to drive national development.
During a meeting with the Liberian Community in Italy on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, President Boakai outlined his vision of leveraging Liberia’s human resources abroad, particularly students, to contribute to the country’s progress.
The Liberian Leader also discussed that he will appoint a Liberian Ambassador to Italy to assist in strengthening ties between the two countries.
Addressing the audience, many of whom are students pursuing higher education, President Boakai acknowledged the sacrifices Liberians continue to make in their pursuit of education.
He stressed the importance of creating an environment that encourages skilled Liberians abroad to return home and participate in nation-building, and noted, “The development of Liberia depends on the talents and expertise of its people.”
“We must work to ensure that Liberians, wherever they are, feel welcomed and encouraged to return home to contribute their skills and knowledge,” Boakai emphasized.
Charging the Liberian community, represented by Fatu Tunkarah, Boakai disclosed that there are approximately 5,000 Liberians living in Italy, thus emphasizing the need to make Liberia attractive not only to its citizens but also to international partners.
He mentioned that countries (developed) are more likely to approve student visas when they see that graduates intend to return and apply their knowledge at home, and therefore urged the community to work closely with the Liberian Embassy to regularize their residency statuses.
Meanwhile, the Counselor at the Liberian Embassy in Italy, Theresa Peters, has commended the Liberian community, particularly students, for maintaining a peaceful and crime-free presence in Italy.
She pledged the Embassy’s ongoing commitment to working in the best interests of Liberians living in the country, thus ensuring that the government’s ARREST AGENDA affects all Liberians residing in Italy.
At the same time, several students in attendance, raised concerns about challenges in obtaining or renewing visas.
They are therefore calling for the establishment of a consulate in Ivory Coast to help address their issues.
Many of the students, including those on scholarships further narrated that they have on numerous occasions, faced visa denials, which complicates their academic pursuits or studies.
In response to the students, Information Minister, Jerolinmek Piah assured them that the government would collaborate with relevant ministries, including the Ministries of Education and Foreign Affairs to address their challenges.
On behalf of the government, he reiterated President Boakai’s fullest and unfinished commitment to improving the situation for students studying abroad.
