Monrovia, Liberia - Liberia's First Lady Kartumu Yarta Boakai says adequate preparation of the younger generation through capacity building initiatives remains crucial for securing a brighter future for the country, stressing that investing in such venture could not have come anytime better than now.

Referencing the ongoing joint Liberia and French Development Agency (AFD) Scholarship project in the Ivory Coast, Mrs. Boakai said the initiative is a major milestone in transforming brilliant Liberian scholars into productive nation builders.

During a meeting with the French Ambassador to Liberia, Her Excellency Isabelle Le Guellec, and delegation, Mrs. Boakai expressed depth of gratitude to the government and people of the Republic of France for their invaluable support to youth development and other important initiatives in Liberia.

The joint Liberia and French Development Agency (AFD) Scholarship program, initiated since 2018 with funding from the government of France, aims to enable young Liberian students to specialize in various science, technology and engineering disciplines.

The various areas of specialization include information and communication sciences and Technologies; Industrial engineering sciences and Technologies and Process Engineering, Sciences, and technologies. Others are Civil Engineering, Mining and Geology, and Agricultural Engineering Technologies.

Mrs. Boakai said the Liberian government does not take the scholarship program lightly, reaffirming her office, and the government’s commitment to working with the French Development Agency and partners to further enhance the program and related initiatives.

With a total of about 80 beneficiaries, the program offers a comprehensive 4-year scholarship to eligible candidates to study at the prestigious Félix Houphouët-Boigny National Polytechnic Institute in the Ivorian capital, Yamoussoukro.

Speaking earlier, Ambassador Le Guellec described the project as a great asset for Liberia, noting that it aligns with the national priorities enshrined in the ARREST agenda to include Information and Communication Technology, agronomy and forestry and industrialization among others.

The French Ambassador expressed delight over the progressive pace of the project and the impressive performance of the Liberian students whom she noted were highly spirited to meaningfully contribute to the national development process upon completion of their studies.

While reaffirming the French government’s commitment to Liberia’s overall development process, Ambassador Le Guellec unveiled plans for buttressing ongoing efforts to address substance addiction and abuse.

For his part, Deputy Education Minister for Administration, James Armah Massaquoi, also thanked the French Ambassador and assured the Ministry’s commitment to the project.
The meeting intended to abreast Mrs. Boakai on the joint scholarship project as the Office of the First Lady has been the lead coordinator of the initiative.

Held at the Executive Mansion, the engagement was also attended by the French Development Agency’s Regional Director Christophe Cottet and Project Officer and Representative in Liberia Maximin Wion along with Deputy Education Minister for Instruction, Amos Armah Fully among others.