Fendall, Liberia (June 16, 2026) – University of Liberia President Dr. Layli Maparyan has donated 1 million Liberian dollars in a check to strengthen the institution’s credit union, pledging continued support for employees facing financial hardship.

Half of the donation will be set aside for small emergency grants to help staff cover food, transportation, medical needs, and school fees for their children. The remaining L$500,000 will be invested in buying shares of the University of Liberia Credit Union (ULCU) to bolster its capitalization.
Dr. Maparyan announced the initiative on June 13 on the university’s Fendall campus at ceremonies marking the Third Annual General Meeting of the University of Liberia Credit Union, themed “From Savings to Investment: Unlocking Cooperative Potentials.”

The 1 million Liberian dollars jumpstarts the newly launched President’s Employee Emergency Fund, which will be managed by the credit union. She committed to contributing L$1 million annually throughout her presidency to sustain the fund, with guidelines and monthly withdrawal limits to ensure its availability through 2026.
“For 2027, it will be replenished and the full $1million will be added again and available throughout the year,” Dr. Maparyan pledged.

The initiative, she explained, responds to the economic challenges faced by the university’s lowest-paid employees. Dr. Maparyan urged members to embrace a culture of savings and responsible borrowing, while encouraging ULCU leadership to pursue prudent and sustainable investment opportunities.
ULCU Chief Executive Officer Mr. Lamin Salley welcomed the donation, pledging financial, moral, and technical support to help members achieve their goals.
“Together, we will continue to move from savings to investment, unlocking cooperative potential that delivers prosperity and belonging for all,” said Mr. Salley.

He acknowledged the union’s challenges, including manual operations, limited staff, and inadequate facilities, but described them as opportunities to build stronger systems and expand capacity. Salley presented a business proposal outlining an investment plan, calling for members’ support.
During the meeting, members agreed to allocate part of their annual dividends toward constructing a proposed US$1.5 million Cooperative Development Bank facility. Once completed, the facility would host sub-branches of six commercial banks, aimed at accelerating financial transactions for both the university community and residents of Fendall.