By: Joseph Kerkula
The Forum for African Women Educationalists–Liberia (FAWE-Liberia) has launched its 2024–2028 Strategic Plan alongside the FAWE–MasterCard Foundation Phase II Program, marking a major milestone in the country’s efforts to expand educational access and promote gender equity.
The event took place on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, in Paynesville.The twin launch took place on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, in Paynesville representing a renewed push to support young women and men, especially those from historically marginalized communities, to access quality and inclusive education at all levels.
FAWE-Liberia Executive Director, Millias Sheriff, described the new five-year strategy as a comprehensive roadmap aimed at scaling gender-responsive learning and strengthening equity within Liberia’s education system.
Sheriff noted that the MasterCard Foundation Phase II Program is designed to widen access to tertiary education for groups often excluded from learning opportunities, including persons with disabilities, displaced youth, and students from low-income households.
“Our goal is to remove the barriers that keep young people, especially young women, out of higher education,” Sheriff said.According to him, the Phase II program is being implemented across 10 African countries over a seven-year period and will reach 10,550 beneficiaries.
Liberia’s portion of the initiative will directly support 1,100 young people.Sheriff also highlighted FAWE’s growing national footprint, revealing that current programs have already reached 34,233 beneficiaries and engaged 8,875 schools across Liberia.
Representing the Government of Liberia, Minister of Education Dr. Jarso Maley Jallah praised FAWE-Liberia and the MasterCard Foundation for expanding educational opportunities under Phase II.
Minister Jallah disclosed that the program will benefit 21 universities and 35 Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions nationwide.
Targeted areas of study and skills development will include: STEM education, Technical and vocational skills, Entrepreneurship development,Workforce readiness, and Career pathways leading to dignified employment.
She emphasized that these priorities align with the African Strategy 2030 and the AAID framework, both of which promote equitable access to higher education and relevant skills training.
“In Liberia, too many doors close too early and too permanently for our young people. This program is intended to reopen those doors and restore the first chances many were denied.”
She reaffirmed the government’s commitment under President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s ARREST Agenda to build a resilient, inclusive, and transformative education system.
“Liberia’s future will not be built by chance,” Dr. Jallah added. “It will be built by choice, the choice to invest in our young people, the choice to center gender equity, the choice to transform opportunity from privilege to right. Today, we made that choice together.”
Infurtherance, FAWE-Liberia Board Chairperson Dr. Meima Sirleaf Kanneh described the MasterCard Foundation Phase II Program as a “significant milestone” that brings renewed hope to Liberia’s youth.
Dr. Kanneh stated that the program is deliberately structured to prioritize youth engagement, targeting 80% women and 20% men.
She said the initiative also supports students transitioning from TVET programs to universities, helping them maximize their academic and professional potential.
The launch drew government officials, development partners, civil society leaders, academic institutions, and youth beneficiaries.
