MONROVIA – Naymote Partners for Democratic Development in collaboration with the Ministry of Internal Affairs, RL has begun an Inter-Universities and Colleges Debates between and among 8 universities and colleges across Bong, Grand Bassa and Montserrado Counties on the theme: “Youth Perspectives on the Local Government Act 2018”.
The competition officially began on November 7, 2019 at the Unification Pavilion, Buchanan City, Grand Bassa County with Grand Bassa Community College locking horn against Vision College in the first encounter of 7 matches to be conducted across the project locations; Grand Bassa Community College emerged as winner of the first match. Over 300 youth and student leaders, women leaders, college students, local leaders, representatives from CSOs, CBOs, attended the event.
Speaking at the first match held in Grand Bassa, Mr. Emmanuel Weinyue, Decentralization and Local Government Specialist, Ministry of Internal Affairs, RL stressed that the competition will deepen both the locals and young people understanding of the law. He urged participants to lead the process of popularizing the LGA.
The debate on the LGA is expected to run from November 7- December 5, 2019. It is designed to popularize the Local Government Act, develop university’s students’ skills and knowledge to critically think, discuss and analyze the importance of the Local Government Act of 2018 towards local economic development, participatory decision-making and job creation for young people, help them to develop a civic, political opportunities and ownership of the Local Government Act of 2018 implementation.
According to Bako Korboi Shuaibu Jr., NAYMOTE Program Assistant, the competition became necessary because of citizens limited understanding about the LGA.
So far, participating schools have received copy of the Local Government Act of 2018, the Frequently Asked Questions of the LGA, and funding to deepening their research on the LGA. Participating schools include: Stella Maris Polytechnic University, United Methodist University, Smythe Institute of Management and Technology, African Methodist Episcopal University from Montserrado County, the Cuttington University, and Bong County Technical College from Bong County and Grand Bassa Community College and the Vision College in Grand Bassa County.
Other matches to be held; Cuttington University Vs Bong County Technical College on November 11, 2019 in Gbarnga, Bong County; Stella Maris Polytechnic University Vs United Methodist University and Smythe Institute of Management and Technology Vs African Methodist Episcopal University on November 15, 2019 in Monrovia. The competition Grand Final will take place on 5th December 2019 in Monrovia as well.
The winner from the tournament will be awarded L$100,000.00 (One Hundred Thousand Liberian Dollars) and the second winner will also be awarded L$50,000 (Fifty Thousand Liberian Dollars). The program is funded by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Naymote Partners for Democratic Development appreciates the support to conduct this innovative and creative project which the institution believes will enhance college/university students understanding of national policy issues, help them identify, discuss, think and critically analyze for the betterment of the country, the institution hope this project could be held across the 15 counties to provide more opportunities for community colleges to get involved and lead.
