The launch of the Youth Eco-Brigade program in Tubmanburg has sparked a wave of enthusiasm among young people eager to shape their communities and build sustainable futures.

Among the first to benefit are Patience M. Flomo and Sonnie Zazay, two young women who view the initiative not only as a personal opportunity but as a beacon of hope for youth across Liberia.

During the launch event, Flomo and Zazay stood proudly before their peers, expressing their excitement and optimism about joining the Youth Eco-Brigade. “We’re truly happy,” Flomo said. “It’s discouraging to see young people idle, but with this program, we finally have something meaningful to do.”

The Youth Eco-Brigade, supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and national partners, is designed to empower youth, women, and persons with disabilities through environmental preservation, business training, and civic engagement.

For Flomo and Zazay, the program has already begun to transform their outlook and their communities.

Through hands-on training, participants have gained practical knowledge in areas such as waste management, tree planting, and entrepreneurship. Zazay emphasized the importance of sharing these lessons.

“We’ve learned so much, and we always encourage our friends to stay motivated and keep working hard. Even those who weren’t selected this time should remain hopeful—there’s always a chance to benefit in the future.”

Each participant will receive a $400 start-up grant to help launch or expand small-scale businesses. For Patience Flomo, who already operates a modest enterprise, the support arrived at a critical moment. “I’m managing a small business now, so I’ll invest part of the money into it and also secure a space for myself,” she explained.

Her plan reflects the broader vision of the Youth Eco-Brigade initiative: to equip young people with the resources and skills needed to build sustainable livelihoods while actively contributing to the development of their communities.

Gratitude echoed throughout Flomo’s remarks as she expressed sincere appreciation to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Government of Liberia for their support. “I want to say a very big thank you to UNDP and the Government of Liberia for helping us through this process,” she said. “By the grace of God, I pray for a long life so we can continue to benefit from opportunities like this.”

For communities like Tubmanburg, the Eco-Brigade represents more than just cleaner streets and greener space, but it’s a pathway for youth to become active agents of change. 

The program’s holistic approach combines environmental action with economic empowerment, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility among participants.

As Flomo and Zazay shared their stories, one message rang clear. The Youth Eco-Brigade is more than a project—it’s a lifeline. It offers young Liberians a chance to contribute meaningfully to society, plant seeds of hope, and build stronger, more resilient communities across the country.