Buchanan, Grand Bassa County – In a move to tackle the pervasive issue of youth unemployment in Liberia, the Center for Dignity and Inclusion (CDI) has forged a groundbreaking partnership with the YMCA Grand Bassa Chapter.
This collaborative effort aims to equip graduating secondary students with vital skills in human-centered design and public speaking, setting them on a path towards meaningful careers and personal growth.
The initiative responds directly to the stark realities faced by Liberian youth, especially those completing high school and seeking to navigate their future educational or vocational journeys amid a challenging job market.
The scarcity of employment opportunities exacerbates these challenges, making it imperative to empower young individuals with the tools needed to chart their professional paths successfully.
CDI’s established track record in empowering youth through initiatives focused on digital literacy and leadership has garnered significant acclaim.
Recognizing the synergies in their missions, the YMCA Grand Bassa Chapter has enthusiastically joined forces with CDI to bolster their efforts. Together, they aim to bridge critical capacity gaps among graduating seniors, many of whom transition out of secondary school without clear career trajectories or opportunities to unleash their full potential.
A recent needs assessment conducted in Buchanan City, Grand Bassa County, underscored specific hurdles encountered by students, including deficiencies in public speaking and a lack of structured career pathways post-graduation.
Responding directly to these findings, CDI and YMCA are poised to launch a targeted one-week training program in Innovative Design and Public Speaking.
This program will cater to 100 students who have recently completed their WAESC examinations.
The primary objective of the training is multifaceted: to imbue students with confidence, foster innovative thinking, and equip them with skills that are not only scalable and feasible but also impactful in addressing current societal challenges.
Beyond technical proficiency, participants will gain a nuanced understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their practical application to local community issues.
Scheduled to take place at the Sustainable Innovation Lab in Buchanan City, the training will adopt a holistic approach, balancing theoretical insights with hands-on practical exercises and collaborative peer learning.
The comprehensive methodology ensures that participants acquire a well-rounded skill set in both human-centered design principles and effective public speaking techniques.
Through this initiative, CDI and YMCA Buchanan Chapter reaffirm their commitment to nurturing an enabling environment where young people can thrive, develop essential competencies, and confidently pursue their career aspirations.
Their partnership represents a significant stride towards empowering the next generation and addressing the pressing issue of youth unemployment in Liberia, setting a precedent for impactful youth development initiatives across the region.
By investing in the transformative potential of Liberian youth through education and skill-building, CDI and YMCA are not only cultivating future leaders but also fostering sustainable socioeconomic growth and resilience within local communities.
As the stakeholders continue to collaborate and innovate, the future holds promise for a generation poised to make enduring contributions to Liberia’s development landscape.
By: G. Watson Richards
