FLY celebrates Int’l Youth Day

The Federation of Liberian Youth or FLY in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has commemorated International Youth Day in Monrovia with the launch of “Youth to Policymakers Dialogue” with the 53rd Liberian Legislature.

The gathering, which was held Wednesday, 12 August under the global theme, “Youth civil engagement”, brought together heads of member institutions of FLY in Montserrado County in a face-to-face interactive dialogue with Senators and Representatives on thematic issues of youth development in Liberia.

In separate presentations in the joint chambers of the Liberian Legislature, the lawmakers pledged their individual commitment towards the overall agenda of the young people of Liberia with a duty to begin flagging said agenda in their respective plenaries.

The lawmakers acknowledged the passage of the national youth act into law as an indication of their commitment towards mainstreaming youth development in the national agenda, but could not state whether said instrument has been approved and printed into hand bill by the Executive.

However, some participating youths at the dialogue called on members of the 53rd Legislature to begin directing their national debates towards addressing unemployment amongst young people. In separate remarks, the young people recommended the passage of a law that would require provision of loans to underprivileged youths to enable them pursue education.

The FLY leadership expressed confidence that resolution derived from the dialogue will be implemented for the good of Liberian youths. The Federation said its optimism is as a result of the expressed commitments by the lawmakers present at the dialogue.

Senator Geraldine Doe Sheriff of Montserrado County along with Representatives Lester Paye of Bong County, Munah Pelham Youngblood and Acarous Gray of Montserrado County, attended the dialogue.

Meanwhile, UNFPA Country Representative, Dr. OluremiSogunro, said young people should be strongest partners if peace and security are to win out over war. By Bridgett Milton – Editing by Jonathan Browne