MONROVIA, LIBERIA-The Embassy of India in Monrovia recently hosted its Second Youth Outreach Programme, ‘India Connect: Liberian Youth at Embassy’, which brings together students from Len Miller High School to engage in a day-long cultural exchange and learning.

The Embassy, in September, also hosted thirty students from the College of West Africa, one of Liberia’s most distinguished schools.

According to a release, the Second Indian Youth Outreach Programme convened thirty students from Len Millar High School, saying that both programmes sought to inspire young Liberians to become life-long friends of the Indian Embassy and youth ambassadors of India-Liberia friendship.

The release quotes Indian Ambassador Manoj Bihari Verma, who emphasised the importance of nurturing lasting friendship between India and Liberia.

Ambassador Verma said, “These initiatives will enable the youth to engage directly with India’s culture, history, and values while gaining insights into the role of the Embassy in strengthening bilateral relations”

The events were intended to allow students learned about India’s rich cultural heritage, historic landmarks, festivals, cuisine, cinema, and technological achievements in a special interactive session with Liberian Embassy officials covered India-Liberia relations and the functions of a diplomatic mission.

The release says that during the events, students also toured key Embassy offices, including the Ambassador’s Office, Head of Chancery, Commerce Department, and Consular & Visa Department, followed by a tasting of Indian cuisine where Ambassador Verma shared information about educational opportunities in India, highlighting that over 2,000 Liberian students are currently studying in Indian institutions.

Scholarships, according to the Indian Envoy, are provided through programmes including the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) and other initiatives, allowing students and professionals to pursue higher education and specialised training.

Meanwhile, Vice President for Student Affairs at Len Millar High School, Kwesi Yorcee, praised the initiative, emphasising that it gave students a valuable opportunity to learn about India-Liberia relations and experience India’s culture firsthand.

Students expressed appreciation for the programmes, noting that they provide a better understanding of how an Embassy contributes to friendship and cooperation between countries.