The Netherlands Institute for Multi-Party Democracy (NIMD) convened its third Regional Youth Democracy Education Training, bringing together 30 emerging youth leaders from Lofa, Nimba, and Bong Counties for a four-day intensive program focused on leadership, entrepreneurship, and civic engagement.

Held under the Liberia Electoral Support Project (LESP)—co-funded by the European Union, Irish Aid, and the Embassy of Sweden—the training aims to empower young people to become active agents of change in their communities.

Participants represented both formal and informal youth sectors, including political party youth wings, community colleges, youth-led organizations, commercial unions, and grassroots groups.

In his opening remarks, Cllr. Darren Domah, NIMD Programme Manager, emphasized the importance of youth leadership.

“This programme addresses the issues that matter most to young people, identified through a nationwide consultation last year. I encourage you to take this opportunity seriously and lead the process of translating theory into meaningful action.”

The training builds on priorities identified during the national youth consultative process, which highlighted challenges such as teenage pregnancy, limited access to livelihoods, and the urgent need for affordable, quality education aligned with labor market demands. 

Through interactive sessions, participants explored these issues and collaborated on youth-led business initiatives.

This third edition marks a significant milestone, with 90 youth leaders (42 men and 43 women) from 10 counties now benefiting from NIMD’s regional capacity-building efforts.

Mr. George Wisner, Adjunct Professor at the African Methodist Episcopal University, delivered a presentation on youth demographics and socio-economic challenges:

“Nimba, Bong, and Lofa account for 26.3% of Liberia’s youth population—nearly 1.5 million people. With over half of the country living in poverty, you must transform this learning into tangible actions that promote sustainable livelihoods.”

Participants also shared personal experiences and recommendations. Rita Acquoi, a nurse from Lofa County, highlighted barriers to youth employment.

"Since graduating in 2022 and obtaining my nursing license, I’ve struggled to find work. Yet I continue to pay for my license annually. Surviving in Lofa is especially difficult due to unemployment and the complexities of navigating a county with more than five tribal groups.”

Youth from Bong County advocated for the decentralization of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs, emphasizing the need for practical, hands-on learning tailored to local needs.

By fostering democratic knowledge, leadership skills, and inclusive dialogue, the Regional Youth Democracy Education Training continues to serve as a vital platform for strengthening civic participation and promoting youth-led solutions to community challenges.

The Liberia Electoral Support Project supports national institutions and democratic processes that promote inclusive and accountable governance. It is managed by UNDP and implemented in partnership with UN Women and NIMD, with support from the European Union, Ireland, and Sweden.