A 13-member delegation of spiritual leaders and representatives of the African Religion community from the Democratic Republic of Congo has arrived in Liberia for a 14-day visit focused on African unity, culture, education and opportunities for young people.
The delegation, hosted by the Liberia Independent Elders Council for Peace and Reconciliation, is expected to meet government officials, educators, university students, youth groups, women’s organizations and other members of society during its stay.
One of the key areas of the visit will be youth development, including discussions on technology, innovation and skills training that could help young Liberians gain practical knowledge and prepare for future opportunities.
The delegation is also expected to meet officials of the Ministry of Education and university professors to discuss traditional African education and how African history, knowledge and values can be included in modern learning.
Women’s groups and university students will also take part in the discussions, providing an opportunity to address women’s empowerment, youth participation and Africa’s cultural identity.
A panel discussion is planned as part of the visit to examine the future of Africa, with participants expected to discuss education, culture, technology, youth involvement, women’s participation and African unity.
Head of the delegation, MFUMU Nkusu Kiambu Nzalampanda Nangola, said the visit is intended to help Africans better understand and appreciate their cultural heritage while creating room for discussions on how traditional knowledge can be used in today’s society.
The delegation also believes that young Africans should be equipped with knowledge of their history as well as practical skills that can enable them to participate in technology, innovation and other areas of Africa’s development.
For young Liberians, the visit is expected to provide an opportunity to meet with the delegation, exchange ideas and learn about ways technology, education and innovation can support their personal and community development.
Welcoming the delegation, Elder Samuel O. Philips, Chairman of the Liberia Independent Elders Council for Peace and Reconciliation, said the Council is pleased to receive the visitors and is prepared to work with them in advancing Africanism and strengthening ties among African people.
Elder Philips said the visit comes at an important time when Africans, particularly young people, need to know more about their history, culture and traditional values while also preparing themselves for the demands of the modern world.
He said the Council sees the delegation’s visit as an opportunity for Liberians to learn from their African brothers and sisters from the Democratic Republic of Congo and to share ideas on education, culture, technology and youth development.
According to Philips, promoting Africanism should not only be about talking about Africa’s past, but should also involve building a future in which young Africans are educated, skilled and confident enough to contribute to the development of their countries.
He welcomed the delegation’s planned engagements with young people, women, educators and other groups, saying such discussions can help create a better understanding of Africa’s shared history and the responsibilities of its people.
Philips further called for continued exchanges among Africans across the continent, saying stronger relationships and the sharing of knowledge can help Africans address common challenges and find solutions that reflect their own realities.
The Liberia Independent Elders Council said the delegation’s engagements will bring together people from different sectors to discuss ways of strengthening African unity and promoting an education system that reflects the continent’s history, culture and knowledge.
The delegation is expected to remain in Liberia for 14 days before completing its scheduled engagements.
