Published: November 17, 2025
Executive Director of the Burphy Cares Foundation, Richlue O. Burphy
MONROVIA – The Executive Director of the Burphy Cares Foundation, Richlue O. Burphy, is urging lawmakers to prioritize youth-centered programs in the proposed Fiscal Year 2026 national budget, calling young Liberians “the backbone of our nation” and stressing that investment in their development is essential for sustained growth.
The $1.2 billion draft budget, submitted by President Joseph Boakai and the largest in Liberia’s history, is now before the Legislature for review.
In a statement issued Thursday, Nov. 13, Burphy emphasized the urgent need to channel more resources into Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), skills development, and employment opportunities for the country’s young population.
Burphy, who also serves as Deputy Director General for Lotto Games at the National Lottery Authority, warned that past budgets have underfunded youth-focused programs, leaving thousands of young Liberians vulnerable and underprepared for the job market.
“The youth are the backbone of our nation,” Burphy said. “Investing in their education, health, skills development, and employment opportunities is not merely a social responsibility, but an economic imperative.”
He argued that Liberia’s youthful population remains trapped in unemployment and informal work due to a weak, underfunded TVET system lacking relevance and links to employers—especially in rural areas.
Burphy highlighted findings from a recent assessment by his foundation showing that Grand Cape Mount County has no TVET program at all. He warned that the absence of structured skills training contributes to rising drug abuse and other social vices among young people.
“If the government can prioritize TVET in this budget, these programs will keep our young people busy and prevent them from engaging in unwanted practices,” he said.
He called on the Grand Cape Mount County Legislative Caucus and national policymakers to advocate for TVET inclusion across the country.
Burphy further urged Minister of State Samuel A. Stevquoah, Foreign Minister Sarah Beysolow Nyanti, and others involved in crafting the Western Liberia Development Agenda (WLDA 2026–2028) to ensure that vocational and training programs are placed at the center of the development framework.
As “a true and prominent son of Grand Cape Mount County,” Burphy added that equipping youth with modern skills is essential for Liberia to compete globally and rebuild its economy.
Burphy also stressed that youth development extends beyond classroom skills. He called for increased investment in sports facilities, cultural programs, and mentorship opportunities, noting their influence on discipline, leadership, and community building.
He reaffirmed that the National Lottery Authority is committed to using a portion of lottery proceeds to support youth programs, but emphasized that transparency and accountability must guide how such funds are allocated.
“We are dedicated to ensuring that a portion of the lottery revenue is effectively utilized to support initiatives that benefit young Liberians,” Burphy said.
As lawmakers deliberate over the FY 2026 budget, Burphy said Liberia has a “crucial opportunity” to correct historical gaps and set a new course for the country’s young people.
His call, he said, aligns with a broader national consensus that meaningful investment in youth is essential for a prosperous and sustainable Liberia.
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