On October 9, 2025, the Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) Liberia Chapter hosted a pivotal Stakeholder Consultation Workshop at the Corina Hotel in Monrovia. This event marked a significant step in preparing for the official launch of the Mastercard Foundation Phase II Project, aimed at empowering marginalized youth through education and opportunity.
The workshop welcomed distinguished representatives from key organizations, including the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Ministry of Youth and Sports, National Commission on Higher Education (NCHE), National Commission on Disability (NCD), Liberia Refugee, Repatriation and Resettlement Commission (LRRRC), UNIDO, UNESCO, EDC, YOCEL, WE-CARE, and Monrovia Vocational Training Center (MVTC). The FAWE Liberia Board Chairperson, Dr. Meima Sirleaf-Karneh, was also in attendance.
In her opening remarks, Dr. Karneh expressed gratitude to all participants and emphasized the importance of collective ownership in the program, which is designed to uplift Liberia’s youth.
FAWE Liberia’s National Coordinator, Hon. Millias Z. Sheriff, provided an insightful overview of FAWE Liberia’s history and the objectives of the Second Chance Pathways for Marginalized Women and Men Program. He outlined key components, including the Extended Orientation Program (EOP), entrepreneurship training, bridging initiatives, and scholarships, while clarifying the roles of stakeholders, partners, and aligned organizations in achieving the program’s goals.
Representing the Ministry of Education, Hon. Nathaniel Cisco, Assistant Minister for STEM/TVET/Inclusive Education, pledged robust support and potential partnerships, particularly for initiatives targeting 1,000 girls in STEM education, with a focus on robotics and artificial intelligence (AI).
Additionally, Hon. Collins Tamba, Assistant Minister for TVET at the Ministry of Youth and Sports appreciates FAWE Africa, FAWE Liberia and the Mastercard Foundation for the thoughtful need of implementing the FAWE-Mastercard Foundation Phase II Program, something that he stressed, will uplift marginalized young women and men and surely benefit the country.
Participants demonstrated strong commitment to the initiative, offering valuable insights to ensure the seamless implementation of the Mastercard Foundation Phase II Project. Their contributions underscored a shared vision for advancing educational opportunities and fostering sustainable impact for Liberia’s youth.