By Morlu F. Freeman Sr.
Lofa County Correspondent
Voinjama, Lofa County ~ The Liberia National Red Cross Society (LNRCS), Lofa Chapter, held a one-day Youth Symposium in Voinjama City aimed at empowering young people through volunteerism, skills development, and the promotion of humanitarian values.
The event brought together youth from across the county and served as a platform to educate, inspire, and connect future leaders committed to community service and resilience building. The symposium aligns with the Red Cross’s broader mission to strengthen communities and nurture the next generation of humanitarians.
Speaking at the event, Jerrime B. Kessellie, Youth and Volunteers Focal Person for the Lofa Chapter, urged participants to embrace volunteerism as a powerful tool for both personal growth and societal transformation.
“Volunteering is not only about giving back—it’s about gaining experience, building networks, and becoming a changemaker,” Kessellie said.
Echoing his remarks, T. Alphanso D. Mason, Officer for Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting, emphasized that youth are the backbone of community development. He highlighted the broader benefits of volunteering in both local and international contexts, calling on young Liberians to take initiative in humanitarian efforts.
The symposium also featured Mr. Tokpa Tarnue, Manager of Radio Kintoma, as a special guest speaker. Tarnue shared his personal journey as a former volunteer, reflecting on the challenges and long-term rewards of community service. He collaborated with facilitators to develop strategic ideas for project implementation and reinforced the message that volunteerism is a vital force in national development.
Key Objectives of the Symposium Included:
1. Building practical skills in first aid, innovation, and community service.
2. Promoting the core values of the Red Cross—volunteerism, humanitarianism, and resilience.
3. Fostering mentorship and networking with professionals across sectors.
4. Encouraging creativity, leadership, and teamwork through sports and recreational activities.
In line with its mission, the LNRCS has been actively training community members in areas such as disaster preparedness, health, and emergency response. The organization, with support from partners like the Swedish Red Cross, implemented a capacity-building project between 2019 and 2023 to enhance financial sustainability and improve community resilience to disasters and climate change.
The 2025 Youth Symposium in Voinjama marks a significant step in the Red Cross’ continued efforts to engage young people in humanitarian action. Organizers hope the event will inspire more youth to take up volunteer roles and help shape a compassionate, resilient future for Liberia.
