Monrovia, Liberia | October 9, 2026
The Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) Liberia Chapter has provided an update on the recruitment and selection process under the FAWE-Mastercard Foundation Phase II Program, which aims to increase access to higher education, universities, and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) opportunities for marginalized young women and men in Liberia.
Speaking at a press conference in Monrovia on October 9, 2026, FAWE Liberia highlighted the scale of interest in the program and the steps taken to ensure a fair, transparent, inclusive, and accountable selection process.
The recruitment attracted 1,447 applications, including 816 applicants for university opportunities and 631 for TVET opportunities. The applicant pool reflected participation from across Liberia and included persons with disabilities, refugees, and internally displaced people.
“The recruitment process attracted a total of 1,447 applicants, comprising 816 applicants for university opportunities and 631 applicants for TVET opportunities.”
Following eligibility screening, assessment, and validation by the designated National Recruitment Selection Committees, 650 marginalized young women and men are set to receive bursary support to pursue educational opportunities through the university bridging program and TVET pathway across the program’s 10 target counties (Montserrado, Margibi, Bong, Nimba, Lofa, Grand Bassa, Grand Cape Mount, Grand Gedeh, Maryland, and Sinoe).
Promoting Fairness and Inclusion
FAWE Liberia emphasized that meeting the eligibility requirements did not automatically guarantee selection, as the number of eligible applicants could exceed the available opportunities. Applications were therefore reviewed against the program’s approved criteria, with the National Recruitment Selection Committees contributing to the assessment and validation process.
The organization acknowledged the contributions of government institutions, universities, TVET institutions, youth and civil society organizations, and representatives of persons with disabilities and refugee communities. FAWE Liberia also expressed appreciation to the Mastercard Foundation for its continued partnership and to FAWE Africa for its support and collaboration.
“I would also like to express our sincere appreciation to the Mastercard Foundation for its continued partnership and investment in expanding educational opportunities for marginalized young people in Liberia, and FAWE Africa for its continual support and collaboration in championing girls’ education across Africa.”
Encouraging Selected and Non-Selected Applicants
FAWE Liberia congratulated the selected participants and encouraged them to take full advantage of the opportunities available to them by remaining committed to their education and skills development.
The organization also encouraged applicants who were not selected to remain hopeful, noting that selection was determined by established criteria and the number of available opportunities.
As the program moves into the enrollment and onboarding phase, FAWE Liberia remains committed to working with its partners and stakeholders to increase equitable access to quality education and skills development for marginalized young people in Liberia.
Through the FAWE-Mastercard Foundation Phase II Program, FAWE Liberia continues to champion inclusive educational pathways that empower marginalized young women and men to build brighter futures.
Together, we are opening doors to brighter futures.