Recently, the African Youth Fellowship joined forces with 12 other youth organizations in Gbarnga, Bong County, for a one-day capacity-building event as part of the “Youth Promotion Initiative – Accelerating Digital Opportunities for Youth Civic Participation as a Lever for Building and Sustaining Peace in Liberia.”
This initiative, organized by UN Women, UNFPA, and OHCHR, represents a bold step forward in enhancing youth engagement in decision-making processes across Liberia. By focusing on the digitalization of existing youth and women-led informal platforms, networks, and organizations, this project seeks to create more accessible and impactful avenues for young people to actively participate in shaping the future of our nation.
The goal of this project is transformative. It aims to reimagine youth-led “Atayee centers” and women-led Peace Huts, turning them into vibrant spaces where young people can engage in meaningful political and intergenerational dialogues. These transformed spaces will serve as vital hubs for interaction between youth, political actors, women leaders, mentors, and traditional and religious leaders. By fostering these connections, we can build a stronger, more inclusive society that values the voices and contributions of its young citizens.
Moreover, the initiative plans to bridge the gap between these informal platforms and formal civic structures through the introduction of a digital interface. This connection will not only enhance youth civic participation but also contribute to building and sustaining peace in Liberia. By empowering the next generation with the tools and opportunities they need to engage in civic life, we are laying the groundwork for a more peaceful and prosperous future.
We are proud to be part of this innovative effort to accelerate digital opportunities for youth in Liberia. As we continue to work alongside our partners and fellow youth organizations, we remain committed to creating a society where young people are not just participants but leaders in the journey toward peace and progress.
This initiative is more than just a project; it is a movement toward a future where youth voices are heard, valued, and acted upon. Together, we are building a Liberia where every young person has the chance to contribute to the peace and prosperity of our nation.
