Emerging from Shadows: The Role of Young Liberians in National Transformation-Performance: Appreciating Government’s Progress-Successes

“Any society that does not succeed in tapping into the energy and creativity of its youth will be left behind.” – Kofi Annan.

“An ounce of performance and positive progress is worth pounds of promises.” Mae West.

“You don’t get any medal for trying something, but you get medals for results.” – Bill Parcells.

“You can not empower students to be self-directed, responsible, and critical-thinking people if they can’t ask their own questions. At that point, you’re teaching compliance rather than responsibility.” – A.J. Juliani and John Spencer.

“The one real goal of education is to leave a person asking questions.” – Max Beerbohm

“Out of the questions of students come most of the creative ideas and discoveries.” – Ellen Langer

“We’re not waiting 5, 10, 20 years to take the action we want to see. We’re not the future of the world, we’re the present, we’re acting now. We’re not waiting any longer.” – A young change-maker at Davos

“They have a lot of experience, but we have ideas, we have energy, and we have solutions for the current problems and the ones that are coming up… We need to collaborate.” – A young change-maker at Davos.

Hooliganism incarnate, a walking, talking, screaming, squawking metaphor for What’s Wrong With Young People Today.”— Julie Burchill.

“If you want something you have never had, you must be willing to do something you have never done.” — Thomas Jefferson.

“The greatest pleasure in life is doing what people say you can not do.” -Walter Bagehot.

“If it is important to you, you will find a way. If not, you’ll find an excuse.” — Ryan Blair.

“I am not what happened to me, I am what I choose to become.” — C.G. Jung

“If you want to live a happy life, tie it to a goal, not to people or things.” — Albert Einstein.

“Knowing is not enough, we must apply. Willing is not enough, we must do.” — Bruce Lee.

“The first step to getting anywhere is deciding you’re no longer willing to stay where you are.”— Anonymous.

“Liberians anywhere and everywhere must ensure that peace, progress, prosperity and stability rain on every air-breathing Liberian including the government”. -Austin S Fallah.

The collective challenges faced by Liberia, stemming from decades of conflict, economic instability, and social disarray, have created an environment rife with pessimism among the nation’s young people.

Criticism toward the government and a tendency to dwell on the country’s struggles often overshadow the potential for constructive engagement and positive change.

Liberia’s young people must recognize the power they wield as innovators and critical thinkers, taking up the mantle of responsibility to contribute actively to their nation’s development.

I argue that instead of lamenting their circumstances, the young people should embrace a proactive role, harnessing the slogans of the past, which I heard as a child in my place of birth, Bong Mines, such as “Total involvement for Higher Heights” and “The Agriculture Green Revolution Initiatives,” as a framework towards national unity and empowerment.

Understanding the Landscape: Criticism versus Contribution:

Daily criticism of the government and the status quo has become a common refrain among the young people of Liberia.

This behavior stems from not only the immediate effects of past conflict but also from a learned helplessness that has taken root in a society that has repeatedly endured setbacks.

However, relentless criticism rarely leads to constructive dialogue or meaningful change.

Instead, it fosters a culture of despair that dissuades innovation and critical thinking, the very skills needed to navigate the complexities of the modern world.

In contrast, the call for young people to engage with governmental efforts represents an opportunity for positive contribution, a chance for the young people to transform dissatisfaction into action.

By aligning with initiatives put forth by leaders like President Joseph Boakai and Vice President Jeremial Kpan Koung, who advocate for national unity and empowerment, the young people can position themselves as integral players in the development of their nation.

Such collaboration is not only a pathway to personal empowerment but also a key contributor to reversing Liberia’s underdevelopment.

Revisiting Policy Slogans: A Blueprint for Action:

The two notable policy slogans from the past, as a little child in Bong Mines that I can remember, are “Total involvement for Higher Heights” and “The Agriculture Green Revolution Initiatives,” which I feel evoke a sense of purpose and direction for future endeavors.

“Total involvement for Higher Heights” suggests that comprehensive investment in human capital, infrastructure, and innovation can foster sustainable growth.

The young people in Liberia can adopt this mindset as they pursue ethical entrepreneurial ventures, technological advancements, and educational enhancements.

Moreover, the “Agriculture Green Revolution Initiatives” pose another vital platform for engagement.

With a predominantly agrarian economy, Liberia’s young people can spearhead innovative agricultural practices with government backing that not only improve food security but also stimulate economic growth.

These initiatives encourage young people to cultivate their creativity by adopting sustainable practices that positively contribute to their environment.

They also underscore the urgent need for a proactive response to climate change, signifying that the young generation has both the capacity and responsibility to address these challenges.

Critical Thinking and Innovation: The Path Forward:

As the world evolves through swift technological advancements and changes in global market dynamics, Liberia’s young people must embrace a mindset centered on innovation and critical thinking.

These skills can no longer be optional; they have become essential in responding to both local and global demands.

Young people must cultivate an understanding of modern technologies, explore new industries, and adopt entrepreneurial approaches; this will allow them to reimagine Liberia’s economy and enhance their role as global citizens.

Education must play a critical role in this transformation.

By reforming educational systems to emphasize critical thinking and innovation, Liberia’s young people can be better equipped to face the demands of the second quarter of the 21st century.

Enhancing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education and promoting vocational training tailored to meet market needs are essential steps toward developing a workforce ready to tackle the challenges of our time.

Such educational initiatives could also nurture a new generation of innovators.

These individuals will not only generate solutions to local and national problems but also contribute to global discussions and the development of solutions.

Shifting Cultural Narratives: From Pessimism to Hope:

A sense of disillusionment and despair has long dominated the cultural mindset surrounding the young people in Liberia.

The pervasive belief that the status quo must remain unchanged has led to an acceptance of backwardness that does not serve the interests of young people.

However, the time has come to challenge this narrative.

Instead of dancing “BuKa,” a metaphor for unproductive pastimes that lead nowhere, young Liberians must redirect their energies towards vision building and constructive endeavors.

The envisioned deadline of December 31, 2025, marks a turning point, calling on Liberians to leave behind behaviors that have not yielded positive results.

This is not merely about ending detrimental practices but about opening the door to a brighter future.

Young people must recognize that every day offers a new opportunity for change and that vision without action is merely a dream.

Additionally, it is essential to address hooliganism, a troubling manifestation of young people’s anger and disillusionment.

The persistent image of violence and unrest among young people has perpetuated a cycle of negativity that undermines their potential.

Liberia’s young people must break free from these chains, cultivating a culture of peaceful advocacy and engagement.

This transformation will require strong mentorship, community support, and a shared commitment to promote positive values and behaviors that reflect a vision for national unity.

A Call to Action: The Power of Collective Effort:

Liberia’s young people hold the key to unlocking the nation’s potential.

This generation can not afford to live in the shadows of past discontent; they must emerge as innovators and critical thinkers, eager to engage with national initiatives aimed at improving their motherland.

The commitment to become positive contributors rather than passive observers is paramount in this journey of national renewal.

As young people set forth into the future, they should infuse their endeavors with the spirit of collaboration, leveraging the past policy slogans as blueprints for achieving sustainable development.

By cultivating critical thinking and innovation, embracing agricultural initiatives, and shifting cultural narratives, they can reorganize the path to progress and unify with collective dreams of a better Liberia.

With determination and hope, Liberia’s young people can overcome the hardships of history and actively contribute to crafting a future that reflects resilience and prosperity.

They must rise to the challenge, for the time for transformation is upon them; it beckons them to step forward and claim their rightful place as positive, forward-thinking changemakers, not merely talkative, but effective leaders who can lead Liberia into an era of growth and hope.

Thus, as Liberia approaches a new era, let it be one characterized by the powerful contributions of its young people, driven to build a nation that stands as a beacon of progress within the global community.