J. H. Webster Clayeh
Africa-Press – Liberia. The National Road Fund of Liberia (NRF) has joined forces with the University of Liberia, the Association of Architects, the Engineering Society of Liberia, and private construction companies to inaugurate the National Road Fund’s inaugural internship program.Since its establishment in December 2016, the NRF has played a crucial role in financing the development and maintenance of roads and bridges within Liberia.
During the launch of the program, Mrs. Joseta Neufville Wento, CEO of the National Road Fund of Liberia, announced that the three-month internship program would commence in August 2023. She emphasized that the program aims to expand the entity by incorporating a comprehensive knowledge development program, thereby enhancing the quality of the technical workforce involved in their duties.
Madam Wento stated, “After in-depth brainstorming and discussions among the management and other relevant stakeholders, such as the University of Liberia, The Engineering Society of Liberia, the Liberian Association of Architects, private construction companies, etc., it has been decided that the National Road Fund will run an internship program for the first time, lasting three (3) months, beginning in August 2023. This initiative aims to promote ourselves among the people and give back to society, especially to students currently enrolled in universities seeking internship opportunities.”
The NRF Internship program is open to Liberian students, ranging from college juniors to recent graduates from up to two years ago. Madam Wento emphasized that the program provides young students with an opportunity to gain practical workplace experience and professional skills while contributing to national development.
“We are optimistic that this will serve as a starting point for many national internship programs to fasten the long-awaited growth and development of this beloved nation,” Madam Wento said.
She further elaborated, “Over the years, we have focused more on the rehabilitation and maintenance aspects of roads and bridges. These efforts are crucial contributors to the economic growth and development of Liberia, significantly impacting social benefits aimed at fighting poverty and inequality.”
Madam Wento believes that the significance of the National Road Fund’s first internship program will help the NRF achieve its objectives efficiently as the entity transitions to fully integrate all aspects of its work.
Professor Dr. Julius J. S. Nelson, the President of the University of Liberia, also expressed his support for the mentorship program. He emphasized that it is an opportunity to close the gap in providing knowledge and skills for students who are about to graduate or have recently graduated.
During the three-month program, the Association of Architects and the Engineering Society of Liberia, esteemed professional bodies in their respective disciplines, will provide guidance and support to the mentees by sharing their expertise and insights.
Furthermore, private construction companies will collaborate with interns on various project sites, offering students firsthand exposure to real-world projects and challenges.
The mentorship and internship program seeks to provide a platform for aspiring engineers, business students, architects, and other infrastructure professionals to develop their skills, expand their professional networks, and gain practical knowledge that will contribute to their future careers by fostering a culture of mentorship and collaboration.
The National Road Fund of Liberia aims to establish a sustainable pipeline of skilled individuals who can contribute to Liberia’s development and enhance the overall quality of roads in the country.
As the program gains traction, it is anticipated that participants will not only benefit from the experience but also contribute fresh ideas and innovative approaches to the road construction and maintenance sector.
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