MONROVIA: The Executive Director of the Youth Network for Reform (YONER) Liberia, Jarius Andrew Greaves, on August 17, 2024, emerged as 2nd runner-up in the 2024 Lonestar MTN MoMo Hero of change competition.
Speaking in an interview with journalists in Monrovia, Greaves said, the recognition has not only highlighted his work but also provided a platform to showcase the transformative efforts of YONER Liberia in empowering young people across the nation.
According to him, the support from Liberians across the country has reinforced his team’s dedication to the development of young people in Liberia, citing that the award continues to serve as a strong motivation for his team to continue their impactful work.
The YONER boss said the accomplishment played a pivotal role in strengthening his application for the prestigious UK Government’s Chevening Scholarship, which he was awarded in September 2024.
Greaves disclosed that over the past 16 years, YONER Liberia has directly impacted the lives of over 100 thousand people, including high school and university students, emerging entrepreneurs, and disadvantaged young women across seven counties in Liberia.
He added that over the past six years, YONER has successfully raised and managed approximately US$500,000 in grants, benefiting over 32,000 individuals.
The YONER boss pointed out that the organization has trained and supported 1,000 high school students from 60 schools in Margibi and Montserrado counties, with a focus on entrepreneurship, social business model development, and career advancement.
Remarkably, he disclosed that 75 beneficiaries have utilized their skills to gain admission to universities across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the United States, pursuing fields crucial to Liberia’s development.
In addition, Greaves said Liberia has collaborated with universities and organizations across the continents to facilitate the admissions of over 200 young Liberians into undergraduate and graduate programs abroad in disciplines vital to Liberia’s growth.
“Since 2018, YONER Liberia has partnered with an institution called “SHE-CAN” to identify and support 28 underprivileged young Liberians who secured full scholarships, with 25 currently studying at Ivy League Universities and colleges in the U.S.,” he disclosed.
According to him, the scholarships, valued at over US$450 thousand each, have significantly transformed their live and the organization has also trained over 300 unemployed university graduates and senior students in digital and financial literacy, on-the-job training, and job placement services, with more than 20% venturing into agribusiness, African fashion, and design sectors.
He further stated that, YONER Liberia has provided entrepreneurial and technological training to over 5,000 university students and emerging entrepreneurs through monthly tech-entrepreneurial education which includes pitching, social business modeling, and essential soft skills, which is designed to foster both personal and professional growth.
Greaves expressed hope that his institution will raise US$1.5 million to establish a state-of-the-art entrepreneurial and technology hub that will seamlessly integrate into Liberia’s youth ecosystem, providing essential mentorship and learning platforms by 2040.
He revealed that the hub aims to equip about 250 thousand youth with entrepreneurial and technological skills, foster the creation of 100 SMEs and generate 10 thousand quality jobs.
Greaves recognition as the 2nd Runner-up in the 2024 Lonestar MTN MoMo Heroes of Change, Liberia, is a well-deserved acknowledgment of his dedication to driving social change.
As he embarks on this new chapter, Greaves expressed commitment to reimagining education and employability in Liberia, ensuring that thousands of young people gain the skills and opportunities necessary for a brighter future.
