Embassy of India Hosts ‘India Connect: Liberian Youth @ Embassy’ Programme
MONROVIA-The Embassy of India, Monrovia hosted a special Youth Outreach Programme titled ‘India Connect: Liberian Youth @ Embassy’ at the Embassy premises on 25 September 2025. The initiative provided an engaging opportunity for high school students to learn more about India, India-Liberia relations, and functioning of a diplomatic mission.
The inaugural event was organized with the students from College of West Africa, one of Liberia’s most distinguished high schools, known for its rich history and notable alumni. A total of 30 students from Classes 10 to 12, accompanied by their teachers, participated in the programme.
Ambassador of India to Liberia, H.E. Manoj Bihari Verma welcomed the students, expressing delight in hosting them and emphasizing the importance of nurturing lasting friendship between India and Liberia. He stated that initiatives like this help the youth become permanent friends of the Embassy and ambassadors of India-Liberia friendship.
Ambassador highlighted the educational opportunities that India offers for international students, including those from Liberia, noting that over 2000 Liberian students are currently pursuing studies in various institutions in India. He further mentioned that the Government of India provides scholarships through programmes such as Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) and other schemes. These scholarships enable students to study at Indian universities and provide professionals with opportunities for specialized trainings in diverse fields. The Ambassador encouraged the Liberian students to explore these opportunities, emphasizing that education is one of the strongest pillars of people-to-people relations between the two countries.
Liberian members of the Embassy gave a detailed and interactive presentation on India and India-Liberia relations. The day’s activities included: an interaction with the Ambassador and Embassy officials; a presentation on India, India-Liberia relations and Embassy functions; a tours of key Embassy offices including the Ambassador’s Chamber, Head of Chancery Chamber, Commerce Department, and Consular & Visa Department; and a taste of Indian cuisine, giving students a delightful glimpse of India’s culinary traditions.
Students got opportunity to explore India’s rich history, culture, monuments, festivals, cuisine, music, cinema, and technological achievements, drawing interesting parallels with Liberia’s own heritage. For example, they were introduced to historic landmarks such as India’s Red Fort and Qutub Minar alongside Liberia’s Providence Island and Centennial Pavilion. Students asked insightful questions and expressed happiness with the opportunity.
Many shared that the programme was informative, giving them better understanding of the role of an Embassy and the ways in which the Indian Embassy contributes in promoting friendship and cooperation between the two countries.
Rev. Agrippa J. S. Nyanti, Vice President for Student Affairs, College of West Africa expressed appreciation to the Embassy for organizing such an enriching experience. He noted that the visit gave students a valuable opportunity to learn about the Embassy’s important work, deepen their understanding of India-Liberia relations and experience of India’s cultures and traditions.
This programme marks the first with plans to organize similar events with other top Liberian schools at regular intervals, to further strengthen people-to-people ties and inspire youth engagement.
Alphonso Toweh
Has been in the profession for over twenty years. He has worked for many international media outlets including: West Africa Magazine, Africa Week Magazine, African Observer and did occasional reporting for CNN, BBC World Service, Sunday Times, NPR, Radio Deutchewells, Radio Netherlands. He is the current correspondent for Reuters
He holds first MA with honors in International Relations and a candidate for second master in International Peace studies and Conflict Resolution from the University of Liberia.