MONROVIA, SEPT 15, 2026 – The Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) Liberia has taken significant strides in advancing its mission to empower marginalized youth by conducting a crucial Training of Trainers (ToT) and formally inducting members of its National Recruitment Committee. The organization’s Executive Director, Hon. Millias Z. Sheriff, underscored the gravity of the committee’s task, issuing a pointed warning against any form of favoritism, discrimination, or political influence in the selection process for beneficiaries of the organization’s vital education and skills development programs.
Hon. Sheriff, whose prior experience includes serving as Assistant Minister for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) at the Ministry of Youth and Sports during the CDC administration, emphasized the profound impact the committee’s decisions would have on the lives of hundreds of young Liberians. "The committee has been entrusted with a responsibility that could significantly impact the lives of hundreds of young Liberians," Sheriff stated, highlighting the transformative potential of the program.
FAWE Liberia is currently implementing the FAWE–Mastercard Foundation Phase II Program, a collaborative initiative aimed at expanding access to quality higher education and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) opportunities. The program is designed to benefit 650 marginalized young women and men across various counties through comprehensive bursary support. This initiative comes at a critical juncture for Liberia, where access to quality education and employable skills remains a significant challenge, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Sheriff urged the committee members to view the 650 beneficiaries not as mere statistics, but as individuals with distinct aspirations and dreams for a brighter future. He eloquently articulated the program's potential to be a life-altering opportunity, stating, "The opportunity could mean the difference between a young person attending university and remaining at home, while for others, it could provide the technical skills needed to secure employment or pursue entrepreneurship." This underscores the program's dual focus on academic progression and practical skill acquisition, both crucial for national development.
The Executive Director was unequivocal in his directives to the newly inducted committee. "Our responsibility is not to select people we know. Our responsibility is to select eligible applicants who meet the established criteria," he declared. This assertion is particularly pertinent in a Liberian context where patronage and 'who you know' can often undermine merit-based systems. The call for adherence to established criteria is a direct countermeasure against such pervasive tendencies.
Sheriff further elaborated on the core principles that must govern the recruitment process: fairness, transparency, inclusion, accountability, and evidence. He issued a strong caution to committee members, urging them to resist the allure of personal relationships, political considerations, or any external factors that fall outside the approved selection criteria. The integrity of the selection process is paramount to ensuring that the program achieves its intended objectives and builds trust among the populace.
Recognizing the diverse needs within Liberian society, Sheriff specifically called for the inclusion of persons with disabilities, refugees, internally displaced persons, and other vulnerable young people. He stressed that while inclusion is a priority, it must not compromise established standards. "Inclusion should provide qualified applicants with a fair opportunity without compromising established standards," he clarified, emphasizing a balanced approach to equity and excellence.
The FAWE Liberia Executive Director also placed significant emphasis on the critical aspects of safeguarding and confidentiality. He reminded committee members that they might be privy to sensitive personal information belonging to applicants. This awareness is crucial for protecting vulnerable individuals from potential harm. Sheriff issued a stern warning against harassment, exploitation, abuse, discrimination, and any other forms of harm, reinforcing FAWE's commitment to a safe and ethical operational environment.
Furthermore, committee members were instructed to declare and meticulously manage any personal, family, professional, or financial conflicts of interest that might arise involving applicants. This measure is designed to prevent any perception or reality of bias and to ensure impartiality in decision-making. "According to Sheriff, the recruitment process must not only be fair but must also be seen by applicants, their families and communities as fair and credible," reinforcing the importance of both the process and its public perception.
Sheriff appealed to the diverse representatives on the committee, which includes members from government institutions, higher education institutions, civil society organizations, disability-focused institutions, and community structures. He urged them to leverage their varied experiences constructively, prioritizing the collective interests of young Liberians over individual agendas. This multidisciplinary approach is expected to bring a wealth of perspectives and enhance the robustness of the selection process.
Accountability is a cornerstone of FAWE Liberia's operations. Sheriff reiterated that the organization remains accountable to a wide array of stakeholders: the applicants themselves, their families and communities, the Government of Liberia, and the Mastercard Foundation, the program's principal partner. This multi-layered accountability framework is essential for maintaining trust and ensuring the responsible utilization of resources.
In his concluding remarks, Sheriff issued a direct challenge to the committee members, urging them to uphold the highest standards of integrity, embrace transparent decision-making, implement effective oversight, and strictly adhere to the approved recruitment and selection procedures. He underscored that the successful implementation of the program hinges on their collective commitment to these principles as the selection process unfolds.
The FAWE-Mastercard Foundation partnership represents a significant investment in Liberia's human capital. In a nation still recovering from decades of civil conflict and grappling with persistent socioeconomic challenges, such programs are indispensable. The emphasis on TVET is particularly timely, aligning with national development strategies that prioritize the creation of a skilled workforce capable of driving economic growth and reducing unemployment, especially among youth. The Liberian government has consistently identified education and skills development as a key pillar for poverty reduction and sustainable development, making initiatives like FAWE's crucial contributors to these national goals.
The inclusion of marginalized groups, such as persons with disabilities and those affected by displacement, reflects a growing awareness of the need for inclusive development policies in Liberia. Historically, these groups have faced significant barriers to education and employment. FAWE's explicit mandate to reach these demographics signifies a commitment to equitable opportunity, which is vital for social cohesion and national progress. The call for transparency and the explicit warning against political interference also speak to the broader governance challenges in Liberia, where accountability and meritocracy are often undermined by corruption and political patronage. By establishing clear criteria and emphasizing oversight, FAWE is setting a standard that could potentially influence practices in other sectors.
On a regional level, FAWE's work aligns with broader West African aspirations for youth empowerment and educational advancement. Organizations like the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have continuously highlighted the need for greater investment in education and skills training to harness the demographic dividend and mitigate the risks associated with a large, unemployed youth population. The FAWE-Mastercard Foundation program in Liberia serves as a model that could potentially be replicated or adapted in neighboring countries facing similar challenges. The emphasis on TVET, in particular, resonates with regional efforts to bridge the gap between education systems and the demands of the modern labor market, fostering greater economic integration and competitiveness within ECOWAS.
The transparency and accountability mechanisms championed by FAWE Liberia, including the clear declaration of conflicts of interest and the emphasis on seen fairness, are critical components of good governance. In a continent where the integrity of public and private institutions is often under scrutiny, FAWE's commitment to these principles is commendable. The partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, a reputable international development finance institution, lends further weight to these efforts, ensuring adherence to global best practices in program implementation and beneficiary selection. The success of this program and the integrity of its selection process will undoubtedly be watched closely, not only within Liberia but also by development partners across the region.
