By Desmond Gbeleh Wion
Capitol Hill, Monrovia – The Government of Liberia says it’s ready to roll out a big training program that will help over 15,000 pen-pen riders learn new technical and vocational skills—part of a serious push to give young people better job opportunities and reduce unemployment in the country.
The Ministry of Youth and Sports is leading this move, working alongside the National Federation of Tricycle Union to help shift young men and women from risky bike-riding hustle to more stable and skilled professions.
At a recent MICAT press briefing, Deputy Minister for TVET, Laraamand Nyonton, said this initiative is about giving struggling youth real options—something that can help them build a future, not just survive day to day.
“Let’s be honest, plenty of our young brothers riding bikes today didn’t grow up dreaming of it. They’re doing it because they have no other choice,” Minister Nyonton said. “With this program, we’re giving them skills that can carry them far—whether it’s fixing cars, working in electricity, welding, plumbing, ICT, or even starting their own small business.”
According to the Ministry, the training will happen in stages, with the first phase kicking off in Montserrado, Margibi, Bong, Nimba, and Lofa counties. Participants will spend between three to six months learning their chosen skill and will walk away with a certificate and a starter kit to help them get going.
But that’s not all—the program also includes lessons on how to manage money and run a business. Through partnerships with microfinance groups, graduates could even access small loans to launch their own ventures.
The government says the selection process will be fair and open, mainly focusing on people already involved in pen-pen riding, especially in packed areas where youth unemployment is a big issue.
“This is not just about training—it’s about changing lives,” Nyonton added. “We want these young people to stop waiting for jobs and start creating them.”
Plenty of people have already praised the idea, saying it’s a smart way to tackle youth frustration, reduce street hustle, and find safer alternatives to commercial motorcycling—especially with the high rate of accidents and crime linked to the industry.
Training is expected to start in May 2025, and the Ministry of Youth and Sports says application forms are now available at their offices and registration centers around the country.
Meanwhile, the President of the National Federation of Tricycle Union, Mr. John Kenyor, says while his group welcomes the training program, more needs to be done to help bike riders grow and succeed.
“These same riders we’re talking about are the ones carrying us up and down every day, even in rain and sunshine,” Kenyor noted. “But they’re often forgotten when it comes to real support.”
He’s calling on the government to take things further by setting aside a special portion of the national budget to support motorcyclists’ welfare, training, and development across Liberia.
“This program is a good start,” he said, “but let it not stop here.”
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