The Government of Liberia (GoL) through the Ministry of Youth and Sports commits to working with the young people of Liberia in ensuring that youth development is achieved.
The Minister of Youth and Sports D. Zeogar Wilson, vows to support every endeavor of youth aimed at promoting development as contained in the Pro-Poor Agenda for Prosperity and Development (PAPD).
He made the commitment here Thursday, May 23, 2019 at the validation of the National Youth Policy (NYP).
The Policy is in accordance with the African Youth Charter and geared to supporting long-term development of the young people of Liberia.
“Government will work with the young people by playing its part of what the young people have put together,” Min. Wilson states.
However, Minister Wilson wants all youth to play their role to ensure that what is contained in the document is implemented.
“We must freely participate in the implementation of this document by holding our leaders accountable. This is a call that we must all achieve together,” he urges.
Min. Wilson points out that the validation of the youth policy document is a clear manifestation of President George Manneh Weah’s commitment to the development of Liberian youth as contained in his inaugural address and captured in the PAPD.
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“In order to promote peace and enhance social cohesion and set the foundation of this country on the path of strong and inclusive development, it is important that we give adequate focus to the affairs of the youth of this country, and so as it is the interest of our President,” the Minister notes.
Deputy Minister for Youth Development Mr. Isaac Doe, recalls that the validation of the policy began few months back with a regional consultation spearheaded by leading youth organizations, including the Federation of Liberian Youth (FLY), Liberia National Students Union (LINSU), and the Mano River Youth Parliament, among others.
“The consultation divided Liberia into four regions with FLY, LINSU, YMCA, YWCA and others leading the regional consultation. We listened to what the young people said and found common ground, so that a policy document is derived,” Minster Doe indicates.
“So, this policy encompasses what the young people told us and what the government and partners agreed upon to be enshrined into the document.”
Former Deputy Minister for Youth Development and Consultant on the formulation of the policy document, Mr. Sam E. Hare, urges government and partners to ensure that the programs and actions of the policy benefit the most vulnerable youth in society.
“This policy should leave no youth behind in its implementation. It must have the pro-poor lenses so that no youth is left behind,” he underscores, among other things. Editing by Jonathan Browne
