MONROVIA, LIBERIA-The Youth and Sports Ministry has launched the National Service Program (NSP).

Youth and Sports Minister, Cllr. Cole Bangalu said,” The NSP is the government’s flagship program aimed at strengthening and making youth development and empowerment proactive across the country.

Minister Bangalu said,” The program will bring together all other government-run youth programs under one umbrella for a holistic approach”.

He noted that the Youth and Sports Ministry, through the NSP, is advancing a multi-pronged youth development strategy designed to mobilize, engage, and empower young Liberians across key service areas.

Speaking at the launch of the NSP on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, Minister Bangalu said about twenty-five thousand young people across the country have been targeted to benefit from the program.

The Youth and Sports Minister noted that the initial funding of the program will come from the government, while partners are being sought to give support.

Meanwhile, Deputy Finance Minister for Administration, Bill McGill Jones, wants the NSP to be enacted into law for successive governments to keep the program rolling.

Minister Jones urged the ministry to work along with the National Legislature to ensure that the law is enacted for the longevity of the program.

He described the NSP as a bold and strategic initiative aimed at providing young people across the country with meaningful experience in public service.

Minister Jones urged government ministries, agencies, and partners to rally support for the program, as it has the tendency to address the challenges of unemployment for young people across the country.

Also speaking, UN Resident Coordinator Christine Umutoni hailed the government for such an insightful initiative.

Madam Umutoni described the launch of the NSP as a timely venture, which aligns with the values and visions of the United Nations.

She pledged the UN’s support to the program while encouraging young people to take the initiative seriously, as it will positively impact the youthful Liberian population.

Madam Umutoni described the National Service Program as a huge investment in youth empowerment and development, which will impact the country’s future.