Monrovia, Liberia – In a bold move to empower Liberia’s youth, Naymote Partners for Democratic Development, through its Young Political Leadership School (YPLS Africa) Alumni Cohort 11, has successfully completed Phase 1 of its Civic Engagement Initiative. This three-day event held across three districts in Montserrado County, empowered over 150 youth and community members with the knowledge and skills to actively engage in the nation’s political landscape in a post-election era.
Supported by the Embassy of Sweden under Naymote’s Democracy Advancement Program (DAP), the engagements focused on advocating for transparency, accountability, and fostering sustainable community development. The sessions took place in Brewerville City, Cookspoon Hill in Pipeline, and Logan Town, fostering constructive dialogues on governance and civic responsibility. Additionally, it empowered young people to hold elected and public officials accountable while encouraging proactive participation in governance.
On the first day in Brewerville City, more than 50 young participants gathered to discuss the vital role of youth in Liberia’s political processes. Ms. Alphia Faith Kemokai, Project Manager of the Young Political Leadership School Africa facilitated the session, emphasizing the importance of constructive criticism and advocacy in holding leaders accountable.
She encouraged the youth to demand accountability from the government, urging them to use campaign promises as a benchmark for holding leaders accountable. She called for their active participation in political affairs and highlighted the importance of youth involvement in community development. “Be agents of change,” she challenged the participants, urging them to take responsibility for their communities and engage in the political processes that shape the country’s future.
The Brewerville session led to the formation of a leadership group committed to holding lawmakers accountable through advocacy and constructive engagements. Many participants expressed their concerns regarding the lack of basic social services in their communities, including clean drinking water, electricity, and vocational training centers.
Speaking at the event,Francis B. Prowd, Acting Chairman of Morton Corner Community, remarked, “We thank Naymote and YPLS Africa for bringing this town hall meeting to our community. It empowers our youth to understand their rights and responsibilities in engaging our lawmaker in District #17. We need more of this education so that even we, the older people, can know what the government is doing for us.”
The final day of the engagements concluded with youth participants pledging to continue advocating for social change, helping to address social issues within their communities and actively engaging in democratic processes that shape Liberia’s future. The initiative was a resounding success, leaving participants with a renewed sense of purpose and the tools to engage in governance and community leadership. It demonstrated that empowering young citizens is essential in creating a more transparent, accountable, and participatory democracy. The alumni of the Young Political Leadership School Africa shared what they learned during lecture sessions.
Naymote Partners for Democratic Development remains committed to fostering an informed and engaged citizenry, ensuring that citizens understand their role in shaping governance and democracy.
