Monrovia – BudgIt Liberia has launched a Youth Club for university students through a partnership with Starz University, aiming to enhance fiscal transparency and promote good governance.
The official partnership ceremony took place in Monrovia on Thursday, November 14, 2024. During the event, BudgIt Liberia Country Lead Abraham Varney announced that the campus-based initiative would be an integral part of Starz University’s programming going forward.
According to Varney, the program seeks to provide career training, leadership development, internships, and workshops on topics such as CV and project proposal writing.
He further noted that BudgIt Liberia will offer students opportunities to observe sessions at the Liberian Legislature, allowing them firsthand experience with legislative proceedings. This engagement is part of the memorandum of understanding signed between the two parties.
Varney also disclosed that BudgIt Liberia is in talks with the University of Liberia, United Methodist University, African Methodist Episcopal University, and African Methodist Episcopal Zion University to expand the Youth Club initiative to these institutions.
He believes that extending the program to other universities will support open budget processes, enhance leadership skills among young people, and foster informed decision-making.
“The BudgIt Youth Club Initiative is a flagship program that mentors Starz University students, involving them in leadership and decision-making processes while instilling the values of human rights,” Varney stated. “It addresses career development and leadership gaps, empowering students to contribute to Liberia’s development and a skilled workforce.”
Varney emphasized that the program will operate in coordination with university administrations, focusing on career development and leadership.
“The objective of the BudgIt Youth Club is to create a community of active students who use public data and training to enhance participation in governance and nation-building, equipping them with employable and leadership skills for participatory governance,” Varney said.
The launch, he added, highlights the importance of promoting fiscal transparency and ensuring the equitable distribution of state resources.
Also speaking at the event, Carolyn Myers, Director of Budget at the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, explained the various budget procedures, encouraging students to engage in the reformation process.
Her presentation covered key areas, including citizen engagement, the budget process, and budget law.
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