The Mishael Bai-Garyar Jewel Bates Agency, a non-profit agency dedicated to providing opportunity to underprivileged Liberian youth and young adult males and females to gain employable skills that would foster self-sustainability in the Liberian workforce, is proud to announce the enrollment of eight new students in various reputable vocational institutions in Liberia. These students, hailing from various backgrounds, have been accepted into a wide range of disciplines, showcasing the agency’s commitment to supporting a diverse array of academic and vocational education to help shift their lives in a meaningful way by providing them with employable skills and subsequently brightening their future.

The new cohort of students will be embarking on their educational journeys in fields as varied as plumbing, electricity, automotive and tailoring/seamstress. This diverse enrollment highlights the agency’s mission to provide opportunities for the underprivileged and marginalized youth and young adult males and females in Liberia.

“We are thrilled to welcome these eight talented individuals who are our first batch of students being sponsored by the vocational institution through the generous partnerships of our esteemed donors” said Adolphus Bates, Executive Director and co-founder of the Mishael Bai-Garyar Jewel Bates Vocational  Institute. “Their passion and dedication are truly inspiring, and we are confident that they will make significant contributions to their respective fields and subsequently improve their lives. Our goal is to provide them with the resources and support they need to reach their full potential.”

The curriculum of the various vocational institutions selected to educate our students were carefully selected because they are designed to be both rigorous and supportive, combining traditional academic instruction with real-world experience and mentorship. Students will have the opportunity to work alongside industry professionals, gaining invaluable insights and practical skills that will prepare them for successful careers.

Adolphus Bates, the other institution’s co-founder, added, “This is more than just an enrollment; it’s an investment in the future. We believe that by nurturing these young minds, we are not only shaping their individual futures but also contributing to the advancement of Liberian society. We look forward to watching them grow and achieve great things.”

The Mishael Bai-Garyar Jewel Bates Vocational Institute is profoundly grateful to our friends and partners for their financial support, moral support and prayers for actualizing the institution’s mission and values. We could not achieve these goals without your support; and therefore, we are infinitely grateful.

The Mishael Bai-Garyar Jewel Bates Vocational Institute believes that this the beginning of a transformative initiative that would bring hope to underprivileged Liberian Youth and Young adult male and female out of hopelessness to self-sustainability and ultimately channel the path to fulfilled lives.

As the new academic year begins, the vocational institute and its new students are poised for a journey of growth, discovery, and success.

Monrovia, Liberia — October 2025

In a country where youth unemployment and underemployment remain persistent challenges, the Bates Vocational Center is emerging as a beacon of hope for young Liberians. Located in Liberia, the center is dedicated to equipping youth with practical skills, academic support, and career pathways that promote self-sufficiency, sustainability, and long-term independence.

A Nation of Youth Facing Employment Challenges

Liberia is a youthful nation—63% of its population is under the age of 25. While official statistics from the World Bank report a youth unemployment rate of just 2.13% in 2024[2], this figure does not reflect the full picture. According to the International Labor Organization (ILO), over 80% of Liberian youth are engaged in informal or vulnerable employment, often without contracts, benefits, or job security.

The disconnect between education and employment opportunities has led to widespread economic instability and social vulnerability. A recent job posting by the Liberia Immigration Service received nearly 10,000 applications for just 500 positions, highlighting the desperation and competition among young job seekers.

The Bates Vocational Center: A Model for Change

Amid these challenges, the Bates Vocational Center is taking a proactive approach. The organization currently supports 13 students across three educational levels:

• 6 students enrolled in vocational institutions:
  • Delano, Noemi, Edmond, and Bono at Monrovia Vocational Training Center (MVTC)
  • Kuta at Booker Washington Institute (BWI)
  • Samuel at Star University
• 4 students in high school:
  • Rebecca (11th grade), Benita (12th grade), Catherine (9th grade), and James (9th grade)
• 3 students in middle school:
  • Christina (8th grade), Abraham (9th grade), and James (9th grade)

VIEW STUDENT GALLERY

All high school students have already begun their academic year, while vocational students will begin in October 2025. These vocational programs are accelerated, six-day-a-week tracks that span one calendar year and include internships to provide hands-on experience and job readiness.

The center is focused on their goal to create a generation of skilled, confident, and independent young people who can contribute meaningfully to Liberia’s development.

Bridging the Gap Between Education and Employment

The Bates Vocational Center’s approach aligns national and international recommendations for addressing youth unemployment. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Liberia’s National Education Sector Plan (2021–2025) both emphasize the need for vocational training, STEM education, and market-aligned curricula.

By offering structured, skill-based programs that include internships, the center is not only preparing students for employment but also empowering them to become entrepreneurs, innovators, and leaders in their communities.

A Vision for Liberia’s Future

The Bates Vocational Center is more than an educational institution—it is a movement for change. In a country where formal employment opportunities are scarce and informal labor dominates, the center is providing a pathway to dignity, purpose, and prosperity.

As Liberia continues to grapple with the challenges of youth unemployment, initiatives like the Bates Vocational Center offer a scalable and sustainable model for national development. With continued support, this organization has the potential to transform not only individual lives but also the future of Liberia itself.

 Sources

Unemployment in Liberia: The Harsh Reality for the Youth – THE LIBERIAN …

Liberia Youth unemployment – data, chart | TheGlobalEconomy.com Liberia’s Youth Unemployment: A National Emergency

Liberia: Strategic Solutions to Youth Unemployment in Liberia