February 3, 2025
YPLS Africa Alumni Push for Accountability, Transparency, and Open Governance; Challenge Youth to Be Agents of Change
Naymote YPLS Africa Alumni Empowers Youth Through Civic Engagement Initiative
Monrovia, Liberia – In a bold move to empower Liberia’s youth, the Naymote Partners for Democratic Development Democracy Initiative’, through itss Young Political Leadership School (YPLS AfricaA) Alumni Cohort 11, has successfully completed recently wrapped up Phase 1 of its Civic Engagement Initiative. This three-day event held , which took place across three districts in Montserrado County, empowered over 150 youth and community members with the knowledge and skills to actively engage in the nation’s political landscape in a post-election era. .
The three-day initiative, sSupported by the Embassy of Sweden under Naymote’s Democracy Advancement Program (DAP), the engagements aimed to equip young Liberians with the tools and knowledge to actively engage in the political landscape in a post-election era. The central focused was on advocating for transparency, accountability, and fostering sustainable community development. The sessions took place in Over 150 youth and community members participated in the initiative, which occurred in Brewerville City, Cookspoon Hill in Pipeline, and Logan Town, fostering constructive dialogues on governance and civic responsibility. Additionally, it . The program sought to empowered young people to hold elected and public officials accountable while encouraging proactive participation in governance.
On the first day in Brewerville City, more than 50 young participants gathered to discuss the vital role of youth can play in Liberia’s political processes.
Facilitated by Ms. Alphia Faith Kemokai, Project Manager of the Young Political Leadership School Africa (YPLS-Africa), facilitated the session, emphasizing the the session centered on the importance of constructive criticism and advocacy in holding leaders accountable. She encouraged Ms. Kemokai emphasized the that youth to should demand accountability from the government, urging them to use campaign promises as a benchmark for tool for holding leaders accountable. She called for their active participation in political affairs and highlighted the importance of youth involvement in community development. “Be agents of change,” she challenged the participants, urging them to take responsibility for their communities and engage in the political processes that shape the country’s future.
The Brewerville session led to sparked the formation of a leadership group committed to holding lawmakers accountable through advocacy and constructive engagementsfeedback. Many participants expressed their concerns voiced their frustrations regarding the over the lack of basic social services in their communities, including clean drinking water, electricity, and vocational training centers., and other essential services.
Speaking at the event, Francis B. Prowd, the Acting Chairman of the Community, Morton Corner Community, remarked, “We thank Naymote and YPLS Africa for bringing this town hall meeting to our community. It empowers our youth to understand their rights and responsibilities in engaging our lawmaker in District #17. We need more of this education so that even we, the older people, can know what the government is doing for us.”
The final day of the engagements concluded with the youth participants pledging to continue advocating for social change, their efforts to helping to address social issues within their communities and atctively o engaginge in the democratic processes that shape Liberia’s future.
The initiative was a resounding success, leaving participants with a renewed sense of purpose and the tools to engage in governance and community leadership. It demonstrated that empowering young citizens is essential in creating a more transparent, accountable, and participatory democracy. The alumni of the Young Political Leadership School Africa shared are sharing what they learned during lecture sessions. the implementation of the program.
Naymote Partners for Democratic Development remains committed to is dedicated to fostering an more informed and engaged citizenry, community, ensuring that every citizencitizens understands their role in shaping governance and democracy.
