By: Journalist Archie Ayouba Boan
The Federation of Liberian Youth (FLY) has unveiled an ambitious plan aimed at tackling two of Liberia’s most pressing challenges youth unemployment and substance abuse through the establishment of a National Youth Farm in Bentol City.
The announcement followed a visit to the site on Saturday by FLY President Ernest Doku Jallah, Vice President Sanwon, and RC Kollie. The land, which was donated to the Federation during the administration of former FLY President Hon.
Mohammed Nasser, was initially intended for the construction of a future FLY headquarters.
However, FLY leaders say the property will now serve a broader purpose beyond housing the organization’s offices.
Beginning in August, the Federation will officially launch the country’s first National Youth Farm under its “Drugs to Jobs Initiative,” a program designed to provide vulnerable youth with employment, skills training, and economic opportunities through agriculture and livestock production.
According to the Federation, the project will focus on removing vulnerable youth and car loaders from the streets and engaging them in productive agricultural activities, including farming, livestock rearing, and egg production.
“We want to replace hopelessness with opportunity,” FLY leaders stated during the site visit. “This National Youth Farm will provide young people with the skills, employment, and support they need to build better futures.”
The Federation described the initiative as a practical response to Liberia’s growing drug crisis and rising youth unemployment, emphasizing that the time has come to move beyond discussions and implement tangible solutions.
FLY also revealed plans to replicate the National Youth Farm model across the country, making the Bentol project the first of several youth-centered agricultural hubs expected to be established nationwide.
As concerns over drug abuse continue to mount among Liberia’s youth population, the Federation believes the initiative could become a model for transforming vulnerable young people into productive contributors to the country’s economy.
“For too long, we have talked about the drug problem,” the Federation declared. “Now it is time to build the solution.”
