Morocco Offers Funding for Liberian Reporters' Education

{ "articleTitle": "Morocco Offers Funding for Liberian Reporters' Education", "articleDescription": "The Moroccan Embassy in Liberia has expressed willingness to support scholarship opportunities for journalists from the Reporters Association of Liberia, following a meeting on October 9.", "articleBody": "

Embassy Commitment and Scholarship Availability

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MONROVIA — The Moroccan Embassy in Liberia has expressed willingness to support efforts by the Reporters Association of Liberia (RAL) to secure scholarship opportunities for Liberian journalists, subject to approval by relevant government authorities. This commitment followed an October 9 meeting at the embassy in Sinkor.

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The meeting included an RAL delegation led by Acting President Kruah Thompson and accompanied by Desmond Wion. During the discussion, the Moroccan Ambassador disclosed that Morocco provides 125 scholarship slots annually to Liberia. However, the Ambassador noted that the country has not fully utilized these slots, with approximately 40 Liberians benefiting in 2025 and about 20 receiving scholarships in 2026.

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The Ambassador explained that the program operates under bilateral arrangements between the Moroccan and Liberian governments, with Liberian authorities responsible for selecting beneficiaries. Despite the expressed willingness to support RAL, no scholarship slots have been allocated to the association yet, and further consultations with government authorities are required.

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Challenges Facing Liberian Journalists

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Thompson outlined challenges facing Liberian journalists, including poor working conditions, inadequate equipment, limited access to higher education and training, and difficult conditions for those at county and community radio stations. He noted that many practicing journalists hold certificates and diplomas but lack opportunities to pursue bachelor’s degrees in journalism, communication, and related disciplines.

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Wion raised concerns about poor labor practices in the media industry, journalists’ safety, and limited access to modern technology and international professional opportunities. The delegation presented RAL’s proposed Reporters’ Support Fund, intended to provide grants for public-interest investigations in Liberia’s industrial sector and other areas of national development.

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Proposed Roadmap and Media Policy

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The Moroccan Ambassador requested that RAL prepare a roadmap outlining proposed projects and priority areas to assess potential support and funding opportunities. The Ambassador welcomed a proposed national dialogue involving journalists, diplomatic missions, development partners, and other media stakeholders to examine professional challenges and explore a policy framework for strengthening Liberia’s media sector.

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Additionally, the Ambassador encouraged RAL to establish stronger connections with Liberian journalists abroad to facilitate professional exchanges, training, and institutional partnerships. The Ambassador urged journalists to broaden reporting beyond politics to cover agriculture, tourism, mining, education, port operations, and industrial development to highlight Liberia’s economic opportunities.

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In the context of international engagement, the Ambassador referenced Liberia’s non-permanent membership on the United Nations Security Council and its scheduled presidency in December as