Kakata, Margibi County – The Government of Liberia, in partnership with organizations including UNIDO, the European Union (EU), and Catholic Relief Services (CRS), marked International Youth Day 2025 with a strong call for youth empowerment, skills training, and inclusive leadership.
By Francis G. Boayue
The event, held on August 12, 2025, at the Booker Washington Institute (BWI) in Kakata, brought together young people from all 15 counties under the theme: “Empowering Young Liberians through Innovation, Partnerships, and Community Action.”
A central focus was skills development to strengthen youth employability. Dr. Anna Brzozowska, Team Lead for Political and Economic Governance Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Liberia, highlighted the EU’s commitment to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as part of its Global Gateway strategy, aimed at reducing unemployment by providing trainees with access to finance and a supportive business environment.
“We are committed to investing in TVET because we want to give people jobs and enable them to take care of themselves,” Brzozowska said.
Keynote speaker Deputy Gender Minister Atty. Laura Golakeh called for the removal of systemic barriers that limit youth potential, including high unemployment, limited access to education, and substance abuse.
“No young person should live each day asking God, ‘Why was I born in this part of the world?’” she said, urging citizens to reject political entitlement and invest in youth innovation.
Representing UNIDO, Deputy Project Manager Theo Nimely highlighted the goals of the Youth Rising Project, funded by the EU, which seeks to enhance the professional and technical capacities of young Liberians for the job market.
“We’ve come to give skills to young people, ensuring that many can transition from the classroom to acquiring in-demand TVET skills,” Nimely explained.
CRS Country Representative Glynnis Oudoakang encouraged young people to take initiative and make a difference, regardless of their position or title.
Youth and Sports Minister Cllr. Jeror Cole Bangalu announced the deployment of 150 young people into the National Service Program, a collaboration with the UNDP to provide job opportunities for Liberia’s youth.
A major highlight of the celebration was the Liberia Skills Competition, showcasing student talent from five counties. The first-place winners were:
- Carpentry: Harbel Multilateral High School
- Welding & Fabrication: William V.S. Tubman High School
- Automotive Skills: Booker Washington Institute
- Fashion Technology: Voinjama Multilateral High School
- Agriculture: Voinjama Multilateral High School
- Electrical Engineering: Zwedru Multilateral High School
The event underscored the importance of equipping Liberia’s youth with practical skills, innovation opportunities, and pathways to leadership for national development.
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