Minister Kruah Tours BWI, Unveils Decentralization Agenda and 100 Scholarships for Margibi Youth
By: Melvin Flomo
Liberia’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Atty. Cornelia W. Kruah, has continued the second leg of her nationwide county tour with a strategic visit to the Booker Washington Institute (BWI), reinforcing the government’s commitment to youth engagement and institutional support across the country.
The visit, which took her to Margibi County, forms part of a five-day tour aimed at assessing youth programs, infrastructure, and opportunities beyond Monrovia. The initiative highlights a shift toward inclusive national development targeting young people in rural and semi-urban areas.
At BWI, Minister Kruah met with the institution’s principal, Dr. Nancy Freeman, along with members of her administrative team. The meeting focused on the current status of the institution and the challenges affecting its operations, particularly in technical and vocational training.
Dr. Freeman provided an overview of the school’s needs, pointing to gaps in infrastructure, equipment, and resources necessary to enhance student learning and skills development. She emphasized the importance of government intervention to sustain and improve the institution’s capacity.
In response, Minister Kruah assured the administration of the government’s support, stressing that her visit is part of a broader decentralization plan intended to move the Ministry’s focus away from Montserrado County and ensure equal access to opportunities nationwide.
She noted that the tour is also designed to directly engage young people, giving them the platform to express their ideas and aspirations. According to her, such engagements are essential in shaping policies and programs that reflect the actual needs of Liberia’s youth population.
Reflecting on her personal connection, the Minister recalled being a former student of Dr. Freeman during her time at the Stella Maris Polytechnic University. She described the moment as significant, underscoring the impact of mentorship and education in leadership development.
At the end of the visit, Minister Kruah announced 100 scholarship opportunities for young people in Margibi County to study at public universities across Liberia. The initiative is expected to expand access to higher education and further demonstrate the government’s commitment to empowering the next generation.
