The National Road Fund launches its second STEAM internship program

On September 27, 2024, the National Road Fund of Liberia launched its second Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEAM) program, marking a significant step in providing opportunities to young, enterprising Liberians, particularly in the science discipline.

Mr. John H. Tokpah, the Chief Administrative Officer of the NRF, launched the second cohort on behalf of Hon. Joseta Neufville-Wento, Manager of the National Road Fund. He emphasized that the NRF draws inspiration from the successful outcomes of the first cohort. Our first cohort, thirteen (13) of twenty-seven (27), have found job placement in various reputable sectors including road maintenance, safety, and environmental programs are contributing immensely to human capital, and two have traveled to advance their education,” Mr. Tokpah revealed.

He further stated that the NRF will continue in incorporating this program into its administrative operations, as it is crucial for the road sector's development and for closing the capacity gap. According to Mr. Tokpah, "the NRF remains committed to providing equal opportunity to all Liberians based on a meritocratic system, and he encouraged young scholars, particularly women, to strive to climb the ladder of academic excellence, especially in the sciences."

In 2023, the NRF launched of the inaugural edition of this STEAM program after Hon. Joseta Neufville Wento assumed the managerial role of the National Road Fund office. Hon. Wento, who is a proud product of the President Young Professional Program, said she found it befitting to reciprocate the benevolence in giving opportunity to young, enterprising Liberians. The NRF boss disclosed the rationale behind the scheme last year. Hon. Wento added, "When I look at my humble background as a product of former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf's Young Professional program and have come this far, I say to myself, I am here today because someone took a risk with me by providing the platform for me to excel, so I must give back."

Representatives from of institutions, such as the Engineering Society of Liberia, the Society of Women Engineers of Liberia, and the Association of Liberia Construction Contractors, Civil Society, attended the launch. They praised the NRF management for their innovative thinking and urged other government institutions to follow their lead by offering students and graduates opportunities to develop their technical skills as college graduates.