Published: September 22, 2025
MONROVIA — The Government of Liberia has officially launched the National Service Program (NSP), a nationwide initiative designed to empower more than 20,000 young Liberians and women through vocational training, community service, mentorship, and civic engagement.
Deputy Finance Minister Bill McGill Jones, speaking on behalf of Finance and Development Planning Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, delivered the keynote address at the launch ceremony, describing the program as “a doorway that leads directly to purpose, productivity, and national pride.”
“This launch is more than an event. This is a moment,” Jones told an audience of government officials, diplomats, community leaders, and students at the Ministry of Youth and Sports. “A moment that marks a new beginning for thousands of young Liberians. A moment that reaffirms our government’s unwavering commitment to youth development, national unity, and sustainable progress. A moment that says clearly: Liberia believes in its young people.”
A Youthful Nation at a Crossroads
Liberia’s demographics underscore the urgency of the initiative, Jones said, noting that more than 60 percent of the country’s citizens are under the age of 25. “These stats can either be seen as a disadvantage—or as the great opportunity to carve a better future for our nation,” he said.
The NSP, themed “National Service for National Growth,” comprises 10 components ranging from literacy and sanitation campaigns to agricultural projects, vocational skills training, and civic education. Officials say the program will span more than 10 counties.
“National service is not just about volunteering your time,” Jones explained. “It is about investing your skills, your energy, and your passion into the growth of your country. It is about taking ownership of the problems in your community—and becoming part of the solutions. It is about choosing contribution over complaint. Action over apathy. Unity over division.”
‘Your Time Is Now’
Addressing Liberia’s youth directly, Jones insisted that they are not “leaders of tomorrow” but changemakers of the present.
“This program was designed for you—but more importantly, it will be driven by you,” he said. “Liberia cannot afford to keep you on the sidelines. Your time is now. You are the bridge between what you are today and what you can be tomorrow.”
He urged participants to embrace the opportunity not only to serve but also to grow: “Through this program, you will serve your country, but you will also discover yourself. You will acquire skills. You will gain experiences. You will grow in leadership and confidence. And most importantly, you will realize that you are not too young to lead, not too small to matter, and not too late to make a difference.”
Spotlight on Women and Girls
Jones emphasized that the program puts a strong focus on women’s empowerment.
“To our sisters listening, this program also places a powerful emphasis on women and girls. For too long, your potential has been undervalued. That ends now,” he declared. “Whether it’s in agriculture, education, health, or leadership, your voice, your ideas, and your leadership are needed. This program is a declaration that Liberian women and girls are not second-class citizens. You are equal partners in nation-building.”
A Call to Partners
Jones appealed to ministries, agencies, commissions, and development partners to champion the initiative, stressing that government alone cannot ensure its success.
“To our partners—ministries, agencies, and commissions—we call on you to not only support but also champion this program,” he said. “Let us work across institutional boundaries, share resources, and align our efforts to ensure that this program becomes a sustainable model that will train, mentor, and place the next generation of leaders.”
He extended gratitude to Liberia’s international partners and development organizations for their longstanding support. “Today, we invite you to walk with us as we take this bold step. Help us expand the reach, deepen the impact, and amplify the voices of our youth,” he said.
Launching Hope
Jones framed the program as more than a policy initiative, casting it as a national movement of optimism and responsibility.
“Today, we are launching more than a program. We are launching hope. We are launching a possibility. We are launching a generation that refuses to wait for change—and instead becomes the change,” he said.
He concluded with a message of personal responsibility: “The decision that will promote you is never made in your presence; instead, it is made in your absence. And during said time, only your character can vouch for you. So, serve well and let your character stand out for you.”
On behalf of Minister Ngafuan, Jones then declared the National Service Program officially launched, calling it the spark to “light a fire of civic responsibility and patriotic action in the hearts of every young Liberian.”
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