Liberia: At-Risk Youth Empowered, As MYS-Funded YDA PAY Project Launched in Kakata

Kakata-Liberia’s transformative initiative aimed at uplifting Liberia’s at-risk youth has been officially launched in Kakata City, Margibi County.

 The Partnership for the Advancement of Youth (PAY) Project, a three-month pilot program, seeks to address pressing challenges faced by young people in Liberia, such as drug addiction, unemployment, and community disengagement.

The launch ceremony launched on Friday, January 24, brought together a diverse group of international partners, local government officials, youth leaders, community members, students, and individuals affected by drug addiction.

The event marked a pivotal moment in efforts to provide educational and psychological support, as well as character development, to the country’s vulnerable youth population.

The PAY Project is a collaborative effort between key stakeholders in the youth development sector, focusing on soft skills training, drug prevention, and community engagement.

The project, according to its implementers, will initially target youth in Bomi and Margibi counties, offering opportunities to engage in skill-building activities and create avenues for personal and professional growth.

Dr. Ibrahim Kamara, Deputy Country Director of Plan International, delivering the keynote address at the launch, emphasized the significance of the PAY Project for at-risk youth, stating that it will empower them to become active agents of change.

“This initiative represents redemption for our young people,” said Kamara. “It will empower them to become active agents of change in their communities, creating opportunities for sustainable growth and development.”

Leaders from the Federation of Liberian Youth, the Liberia National Student Union, and the MRU Youth Parliament also made remarks at the event, applauding the Government of Liberia, particularly the Ministry of Youth and Sports, for its commitment to addressing the needs of at-risk youth.

In separate remarks, they called for continued support to ensure the long-term success of the project.

The Office of the Superintendent of Margibi County voiced its full support for the initiative, with County Commander Alex Flomo of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency also expressing willingness to partner with the project to help address the issue of drug abuse.

Representatives from the Ministry of Education and the Liberia Immigration Service were also in attendance, underscoring the broad coalition backing the project.

The launch featured a dynamic program, including cultural performances, speeches, and an interactive youth dialogue session.

During the session, young people shared their aspirations and discussed solutions to challenges such as addiction recovery, reintegration into society, and lack of access to economic opportunities.

Amb. Robert K. Gboluma, Executive Director of the Youth Development Agency (YDA), closed the event by lauding Minister of Youth and Sports, J. Cole Bangalore, for his unwavering support.

“The PAY Project is not just an event; it is a platform for hope and transformation,” said Gboluma.

“Through this initiative, young people in Kakata and beyond will be empowered to realize their potential and make meaningful contributions to society.”

The long-term vision for the PAY Project is to expand its reach to other counties in Liberia, aligning with the nation’s development priorities, particularly those focused on youth empowerment and sustainable development.

As the event concluded, students from over ten local high schools, along with individuals affected by drug use, expressed their excitement and determination to take full advantage of the opportunities provided by the PAY Project.

With its focus on education, character development, and community empowerment, the PAY Project is poised to shape the future for Liberia’s youth, fostering a generation of leaders committed to positive change.