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Why Liberia?
For people in Liberia, anything is everything
How do you uplift a country? You focus on the youth, as they are the future. As Frederick Douglas stated, “it is easier to build strong children, than to repair a broken man”.
Liberia, home to more than 5 million people, is a nation of resilience and promise. After decades of internal conflict, followed by a major epidemic, the country has begun to unite and steadily grow. Yet too many families—especially in rural areas—still face limited access to quality education and healthcare, as well as opportunities to better their livelihoods. Young people under 25 make up the majority of the population; investing in them now will shape the country’s future for decades.
Liberia is on the rise. With growth returning and a youthful population, the country sits at a pivotal moment where talent—properly identified, trained, and supported—can accelerate national progress and compete on a global stage.
AIE’s blueprint focuses on providing access to high-level educational opportunities and a collective love for the “World’s Game.”
LIBERIA'S EDUCATION IS IN A
STATE OF EMERGENCY
Currently, the academic system in Liberia is fragile and is preventing the youngest generations from competing with the global standards. At the time of AIE’s inception:
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Nearly 75% of the country’s population was under 35 years old, 63% of the country’s population were adolescents, defined as individuals under the age of 25 per the World Health Organization.
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Less than 50% of adolescents were literate - 62% of males; 34% of females
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Approximately 48% of adolescents had not completed primary education, and 11% no education had no at all.
HOW DO WE TACKLE THIS CRISIS?
AIE aims to reduce the cycle of poverty and foster sustainable development by empowering Liberian youth through access to world class educational opportunities both in Liberia and abroad.
Soccer serves as a powerful tool to empower individuals from underprivileged communities by combining the benefits of sport and education. On the field, soccer builds confidence, teamwork, discipline, and resilience—skills that transfer directly to academic and professional settings. Off the field, it creates access to education, mentorship, and networking opportunities, opening pathways to personal growth and career development. By fostering inclusion, providing role models, and instilling a sense of purpose, soccer not only uplifts individuals but also strengthens communities, making it a catalyst for long-term empowerment and social mobility.