By Bill W. Cooper
The National Road Fund (NRF) of Liberia has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the European Institute for Cooperation and Development (IECD) aimed at enhancing the skills of young Liberians and improving the country’s infrastructure.
The partnership will pave the way for 20 Liberians to participate in an internship scheme designed to provide hands-on experience in road construction and maintenance, a critical area for the nation’s development.
The signing ceremony, held at the NRF headquarters in Monrovia, was attended by key stakeholders, including government officials, and representatives from the IECD, among others.
The initiative is part of a broader strategy to address the pressing need for skilled labor in Liberia’s road sector, hampering inadequate investment for years.
During the signing ceremony yesterday, the NRF Manager, Joseta Neufville-Wento emphasized the importance of investing in human capital, saying the initiative is not just about providing jobs but building a skilled workforce that can drive Liberia’s development forward.
She said, “Today, the NRF and IECD are pleased to announce the signing of an MOU aimed at facilitating, guiding, and promoting internship opportunities in Liberia, and this strategic partnership underscores our mutual commitment to enhancing vocational training and providing valuable experiences for students in the country.”
According to her, the MOU is a cornerstone of the STRIVE project (Strengthening Integration through Vocational Training), which seeks to create a robust framework for collaboration between both institutions.
She noted that through this initiative, the NRF and IECD will work together to develop and implement effective internship programs, particularly within the road construction sector, thereby equipping young Liberians with essential skills and real-world experience.
Madam Wento maintained, “The parties are dedicated to establishing clear objectives and responsibilities, ensuring that the curriculum is aligned with industry needs and that students gain meaningful experience that prepares them for future employment.”
“As part of this initiative, NRF and IECD will actively engage with governmental bodies, private sector partners, and educational institutions to create a sustainable model for internship placements that benefits all stakeholders involved.
The signing of this MOU marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to enhance vocational training and internships in Liberia. We are enthusiastic about the opportunities this partnership will present to the youth of Liberia and anticipate its positive influence,” she added.
EICD Country Director, Guillaume Desjonqueres expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “We believe that investing in the youth of Liberia is investing in the future of the country.
“This internship program will provide invaluable experience and training that will benefit both the participants and the nation as a whole,” he added.
Meanwhile, the internship program has selected 20 young Liberians, primarily recent graduates or senior students from recognized Universities following a rigorous screening and vetting process.
The selected interns are expected to undergo a comprehensive training program that includes theoretical and practical components for the next three months, alongside experienced professionals.
