Monrovia – In the wake of the United Nations Mission in Liberia’s (UNMIL) complete drawdown, the National Youth Movement for Transparent Elections (NAYMOTE) continues to intensify its School Law and Justice Program for high school and university students.
Report by Gerald [email protected]
During a seminar held at the Muslim Congress High School in Monrovia recently, NAYMOTE’s Program Assistant, Trokon Ernest Thompson, said the overall goal of the initiative is to improve students’ understanding of the legal process, access to justice, crime prevention, conflict resolution and build trust between the young people and law enforcement agencies.
“The School Law and Justice Program will help advance justice, promote peace and democracy by providing an environment where High School and University Students can acquire the legal and civic knowledge, skills, and confidence building to bring about positive change for themselves, their communities, schools and the society at large,” Thompson said, adding that Young students will learn and benefit from interactive engagements including seminars, lectures, and mock court trials to support the Justice system.
He noted that despite the gains made since the end of the civil war, there are still challenges with the weak justice system, high level of youth unemployment, land conflict, drugs and crimes and other vices.
He added that the program is bringing experienced Police Officers and Lawyers to the classrooms to teach students about practical law, crime prevention, conflict resolution, due process and how to access justice.
“Students will also learn about the workings of the Supreme Court, the Circuit Courts, and the Magisterial Courts as well as how decisions are made in these courts. This will overtime enhanced students’ capacity to become active and legally knowledgeable contributors in their schools, communities and society,” he said.
The forum was facilitated by Samuel G, Ford, Deputy Superintendent of Community Policing of the Liberia National Police and Atty. Kebbeh S. Freeman-Siryon, Legal Consultant at the Ministry of Public Works.
Speaking to reporters at the end of the forum, the students thanked NAYMOTE for selecting their school and vowed to share the knowledge gained with their colleagues who were not opportune to be a part of the training.