Former Bong County HoR candidate launches fifth student internship program

Published: September 24, 2025

MONROVIA — Former Bong County District 6 representative candidate William Telebo Thompson has launched the fifth edition of his Student Internship Program, offering hands-on work experience to high school graduates in Salala and Konowolala districts.

The initiative, run through Thompson’s nonprofit Thompson Development Alliance, was launched over the weekend in Totota. It targets graduates of seven schools: Totota Lutheran, E.J. Yancy, JOBMATTS, Upper Room Christian Academy, Flehla Public, Martha Tubman and Salvation Army high schools.

Thompson told the launch ceremony he intends to sustain the program indefinitely. “I intend to continue this program for as long as I live in order to impact the lives of young people in Bong County,” he said.

Since its inception, the program has supported more than 400 students with an annual budget exceeding 2 million Liberian dollars.

This year, 64 students were selected through a competitive process. Each will serve a one-month internship in local and national institutions and receive a bank book credited with 10,000 Liberian dollars along with an ambassadorial certificate to support further education or small business ventures.

The launch opened with a parade through Totota that drew local leaders, clergy, parents and community members. Leaders praised Thompson’s consistency, while parents urged students to uphold discipline during their placements.

Some admitted they initially believed the initiative was politically motivated but now see it as a genuine, nonpartisan effort because of its continuity beyond election cycles.

Two past beneficiaries, Satta Promise Keita and Jacob Sackie Jr., returned as motivational speakers. Both urged participants to take full advantage of the opportunity. Keita pledged 10,000 Liberian dollars to support a student, saying it was her way of giving back to the program that helped her four years ago.

Thompson thanked community members, authorities and partners for embracing the program. “Thank you to the community, local authorities and partners for contributing meaningfully,” he said.

The initiative, now in its fifth year, continues to draw praise as a model for grassroots investment in education and youth development in Bong County.