Tubmanburg, Bomi County, Liberia; August 26, 2025 – Thirty emerging leaders from Western Liberia have graduated from an intensive training program designed to equip them with the tools to drive democratic engagement and economic growth in their communities. The three-day Regional Youth Democracy Education Training, hosted by the Netherlands Institute for Multi-party Democracy (NIMD) from August 6-8 in Tubmanburg, marks a significant step in cultivating a new generation of proactive citizens.
The workshop brought together a diverse cohort of young men and women from Bomi, Gbarpolu, and Grand Cape Mount Counties, specifically selected to represent a cross-section of society. Participants included leaders from youth wings of various political parties, directors of community-based organizations, university students, local entrepreneurs, and representatives from grassroots advocacy groups.
This second regional training was directly informed by a nationwide consultation conducted by NIMD, which identified critical barriers to youth advancement. Top concerns included high rates of teenage pregnancy, a severe lack of employment opportunities, and an education system often disconnected from market needs. The curriculum was tailored to address these gaps head-on.
“Initiating this program is about focusing on the challenges that matter most to young people,” stated Floortje Klijn, NIMD Knowledge and Programme Advisor, during her opening remarks. “Reflect on their relevance to your counties and use your influence wisely. Your energy and ideas are the catalysts for tangible change.”
The program combined theoretical knowledge with practical, interactive sessions. Participants engaged in modules focused on democratic principles, accountable leadership, and collaborative governance. A key component was entrepreneurship training, which provided hands-on skills in business development, financial literacy, and strategic planning.
For many attendees, the entrepreneurship session offered immediate, actionable value. Dudu Fahnbulleh, a small business owner from Grand Cape Mount, noted, “The skills I’ve gained here are not just theoretical; they are a practical guide. I now have a clearer plan to expand my business and create much-needed job opportunities in my community.”
The training also emphasized the power of digital tools in the modern economy. A dedicated digital literacy module taught participants how to leverage technology for marketing, customer engagement, and accessing vital business information and government services online.
Beyond skill acquisition, the initiative served as a unique platform for bridge-building. By bringing together youth from rival political parties and diverse sectors, the program fostered a spirit of non-partisan cooperation. It provided a safe and structured environment for dialogue, encouraging participants to find common ground and develop collaborative solutions to shared community challenges.
“The program has inspired me to move beyond traditional thinking,” said Beatrice Taylor, a participant from Bomi County. “It has given me the confidence to explore innovative ideas and to take calculated risks, both in business and in civic life.”
This training is a core activity of the Regional Youth Democracy Education initiative, which aims to strengthen inclusive dialogue and civic participation across Liberia. It is implemented under the broader Liberia Electoral Support Project (LESP), which is funded by the European Union, Irish Aid, and the Embassy of Sweden.
The LESP is managed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with UN Women and NIMD. Its overarching goal is to promote more inclusive, peaceful, and accountable democratic governance throughout Liberia by empowering key stakeholders, with youth being a central focus.
