As Liberians around the world prepare to celebrate their nation’s 179th Independence Day on July 26, 2026, Empowerment Squared is marking the occasion with a bold step forward.
On Thursday, July 23, 2026, Empowerment Squared will host the Independence Day Unveiling, a special virtual event in collaboration with Hamilton Public Library that will reveal the architectural rendering, innovative features, transformative vision, and official name of Phase II of the Liberian Learning Center.
The event is being framed as a gift of the future for Liberia, an opportunity to celebrate what has already been achieved and to share what comes next with a global audience.
Join Us
The Independence Day Unveiling takes place on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at 1:00 PM Eastern Time (5:00 PM GMT), hosted via Zoom.
During the event, attendees will experience the unveiling of the Phase II architectural design, discover the facility’s innovative features and community-centered design, learn its official name and identity, hear from students, educators, staff, and community members in Liberia, and explore opportunities to be part of what comes next.
Registration is free and open to everyone.
From Vision to Reality: The Story of Phase I
To understand the significance of what will be unveiled on July 23, it helps to look at what has already been accomplished.
Phase I of the Liberian Learning Center opened in December 2024 in Paynesville, Liberia. President Joseph Nyuma Boakai attended the grand opening alongside community members, volunteers, staff, and supporters, recognizing the Center as one of the most significant achievements in postwar Liberia.
The facility is Liberia’s most environmentally sustainable modern educational building. Constructed with compressed earth blocks, powered entirely by solar energy, and equipped with a rainwater harvesting system, the Center was designed to demonstrate that innovation and sustainability can be rooted in community-led development.
In just over a year of operation, the Center has welcomed more than 13,000 community members from 36 surrounding communities. It is now home to programs including the International Youth Internship Program (IYIP), Harnessing Opportunities to Promote Entrepreneurship (HOPE), digital literacy and ICT training, youth mentorship and leadership development, and community-based research and innovation initiatives. The Center was also featured in the international publication 150 Libraries You Need to Visit Before You Die by Léa Teuscher.
What began as one person’s dream to bring the transformative power of libraries and learning spaces to Liberia has become a model for community-centered development.
What Comes Next
Phase II promises to be one of the most innovative community developments in postwar Liberia. Designed to expand access to learning, entrepreneurship, creativity, leadership development, and community engagement, the new facility will create new pathways for young people and families to thrive.
The details, including the official name, architectural design, and full vision for the facility, will be revealed for the first time during the July 23 event.
Save the Dates
The July 23 unveiling marks the beginning of an exciting journey toward construction:
Groundbreaking Ceremony
December 17, 2026 — Paynesville, Liberia
Fundraising and Celebration Gala
December 18, 2026 — Monrovia, Liberia
Additional details will be announced in the coming months.
Support Phase II
To fully equip Phase I and complete construction of Phase II, Empowerment Squared is working to raise $1.5 million CAD. To date, $1 million has been secured, with $500,000 remaining.
Every contribution moves this vision closer to reality. To make a donation, visit empowermentsquared.org/donate. For partnership opportunities, naming opportunities, or sponsorship inquiries, please contact info@empowermentsquared.org.