By Reagan S. Lebbie
MONROVIA, Oct. 29 (LINA) – The Ministry of Youth and Sports in collaboration with the National Youth Organizations has launched the National Youth Policy and Action Plan 2019-2023.
Speaking Tuesday at the official launch and the celebration of the 50 years of Youth Day in Liberia, Youth and Sports Minister D. Zeogar Wilson said the aim of the youth policy is to promote young people’s participation in the national decision-making process of Liberia.
Wilson further said that, the policy is to also establish a general policy framework which will provide guidelines on all matters relating to youth development, promote collaboration among different tiers of government, civil, non-governmental, community-based and religious organizations on youth development programs.
The Minister noted that the National Youth Policy Action Plan when implemented well by the government it will serve as a critical tool for promoting peace, enhancing social cohesiveness and setting good foundation for the country on the path of development consistent with the Pro-Poor Agenda.
“We can only benefit from a demographic dividend, if we properly harness and marshal the energies of our young people and provide them the skills, employment and other opportunities that are needed to enable them contribute to the sustenance of peace and our economic development,” Wilson said.
He said, considering the myriad of challenges facing the youth, the policy proposes guidelines and strategies that can be employed to make the youth more productive citizens and enhance their participation in national affairs.
« We are grateful to all who contributed to the formulation of this National Youth Policy and Action document, most especially the youth organizations, » Wilson said.
According to him, in order for the National Youth Action Plan to be achieved citizens must work together in concert with the government to ensure that it is fully implemented to help uplift the project of Liberia.
He lauded the UNFPA, UNESCO, UNICEF, World Bank, African Development Bank, among others, for the timely intervention financially in making sure that the policy and other activities of the Ministry of Youth and Sports are achieved, adding that China and Sweden have also been contributing a lot in lifting the youth of Liberia.
Presenting the policy document to the Minister of State, Youth Minister Wilson said after a broad-based country-wide consultative process, the ministry was pleased to conclude and present the National Youth Policy and Action Plan 2019-2023, adding that the document was a comprehensive policy that serves as a point of convergence for all actors within the youth sector.
Receiving the document on behalf of President George M Weah, the Minister of State, Nathaniel F. McGill thanked the Minister of Youth, staff and other organizations who made the exercise a success.
McGill assured that he will deliver the policy document to the President for timely action in line with youth and sports affairs in Liberia.
LINA RSL/PTK
