Empowering young people is a crucial investment in a nation’s future, laying the foundation for innovation, peace, and sustainable growth.
Kofi Annan: “Young people should be at the forefront of global change and innovation. Empowered, they can be key agents for development and peace.”
Malala Yousafzai: “One child, one teacher, one book, and one pen can change the world.”
Eleanor Roosevelt: “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”
Mahatma Gandhi: “If we are to reach real peace in this world… we shall have to begin with children.”
Nelson Mandela: “Young people are capable, when aroused, of bringing down the towers of oppression and raising the banners of freedom.”
Whitney Houston: “I believe the children are our future, treat them well and let them lead the way.”
Active Participation: Youth are not merely passive recipients but active agents in development and change, requiring inclusion from birth.
Investment in Potential: Investing in young people’s rights and education is the most significant investment for a nation’s better future.
Leadership and Growth: Young people are capable of leadership, driving positive changes, and bringing new projects to life.
Mentorship: The responsibility lies with the older generation to nurture, care for, and mentor the youth to cultivate their potential.
Nelson Mandela: “Young people are capable, when aroused, of bringing down the towers of oppression.
By: Austin S Fallah – A True Son of the Planet Earth Soil: fallahas@yahoo.com.
As the sun rises and sets over Liberia, the towns, villages, districts, boroughs, cities, and counties pulse with the potential of millions of young Liberians, each generation a reservoir of talent, creativity, and intelligence waiting to be tapped.
However, for Liberia to advance and compete on the international stage, empowering its youth is paramount.
The government must prioritize fostering an environment conducive to innovation, creativity, ethical behavior, entrepreneurship, patriotism, and nationalism.
This must be achieved through strategic public policies that focus on the common good and fundamentally reshape the country’s educational landscape.
Liberia’s governmental and educational institutions must recalibrate their goals and curricula to meet international standards, foster engagement, and ultimately equip young Liberians to contribute significantly to global society.
The Power of Empowerment:
Empowering young people begins with an acknowledgment that they possess vast intelligence and untapped potential.
However, for too long, the youth of Liberia have been undervalued and marginalized.
In this digital age, young people are often relegated to the sidelines, their talents wasted in an educational system that underperforms and fails to prepare them for global competition.
The need of the hour is a comprehensive strategy to empower these individuals through targeted policies that promote innovation and creativity.
The government must recognize that investing in the youth and young people is investing in the nation’s future.
By creating a framework that supports entrepreneurial initiatives and fosters ethical behavior, the administration can lay the foundation for a thriving economy.
Young people and youths equipped with the right tools and resources can innovate across sectors, from technology to agriculture, thereby contributing not just to their own prosperity but also to the nation’s economic advancement.
Transforming Education: The First Step:
Central to empowering the youth is transforming Liberia’s education system.
The current curriculum has not risen to the challenge posed by today’s technology-driven society, leaving students disengaged and unprepared for international academic competition.
To address this, the Ministry of Education must work diligently to craft curricula that meet international standards, incorporate modern teaching methodologies, and actively engage students in their education.
Schools should prioritize critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity over rote memorization.
Educational institutions must offer programs that are both innovative and aligned with the global job market’s needs.
For example, integrating subjects such as coding, environmental studies (working with the Liberia Environmental Protection Agency), and entrepreneurship into the curriculum will equip students with the relevant knowledge and skills they need to succeed in the modern world.
Moreover, vocational training and practical experience must be woven into the educational tapestry, preparing students for the workplace and enhancing their employability.
Students must not only learn in theory but also gain the necessary hands-on experience to thrive in a competitive global economy.
Ultimately, an educational system that encourages engagement will foster a generation of Liberians who are proud of their contributions to both their country and the world.
The Role of Ethical Behavior and Nationalism:
In addition to innovation and entrepreneurial skills, young people must be nurtured to adopt ethical behavior and a sense of nationalism.
The youth and young people of Liberia must learn the importance of integrity, responsibility, and service to their country.
This can be promoted through a curriculum that emphasizes the need for ethical practices in all areas of life, including business, civil society, and government.
When young people understand the importance of ethical behavior, they are more likely to become active participants in building a just and equitable society.
Equally crucial is instilling a sense of nationalism. This can be achieved through programs that encourage civic engagement and community service.
Youthful and young Liberians should be given opportunities to contribute positively to their communities, fostering a sense of belonging and responsibility.
When youths and young people feel connected to their nation and understand their role in its development, they are more likely to invest their talents and energies into its success.
Engaging the Youth and Young People:
Engagement is perhaps one of the most crucial elements missing from the current educational landscape.
To boost international academic excellence, the educational system must foster environments where students feel valued, motivated, and inspired to learn.
This means involving young people in the decision-making processes that affect their education and future.
One approach is to establish student councils in schools, where young people can voice their opinions and contribute ideas for improvements.
Such councils can also provide a platform for students to develop leadership skills as they discuss their education and the issues facing their communities.
Additionally, mentorship programs featuring established professionals from various fields can provide valuable guidance and inspire students to aim for excellence.
Efforts to engage students should also extend beyond the classroom.
Organizing events such as science fairs, quiz time, high school hour, where students learn to broadcast (Journalism and Communication) their school news (ELBC) through reading, entrepreneurship competitions, and cultural festivals would not only enhance learning experiences but also foster a sense of excitement and ownership over their education.
When students see that their contributions can lead to tangible outcomes, they are more likely to become invested in their academic success.
Public Policy as a Catalyst for Change:
For these changes to occur, public policy must act as a catalyst for transformation.
The government has a critical role in shaping policies that support education reform, create funding opportunities for innovative projects, and provide young people with the tools they need to succeed.
This may involve international partnerships, in which Liberia can learn from successful educational models in other countries while adapting those strategies to its unique context.
Moreover, policies should aim to bridge the gap between education and the job market, ensuring that graduates possess the skills employers require.
By working closely with private sector stakeholders, the government (Ministries of Education, State Without Portfolio, Labor, Gender, Youth, and Sports) can create programs that facilitate internships, apprenticeships, and training for young people entering the workforce.
A Collective Responsibility:
Liberia has a promising future, but today’s young people and youths must be empowered with the resources to compete internationally.
By creating an enabling environment that prioritizes innovation, creativity, entrepreneurial spirit, ethical behavior, love for the country, and a sense of nationalism, the government can help shape a generation capable of global competitiveness.
Transforming the educational system to meet international standards is a critical first step in this process.
Critical engagement with students and the implementation of effective public policies form the bedrock of this ambitious vision.
The responsibility to fuel this change lies not only with the government but with every citizen who believes in the potential of Liberia’s youth and young people.
It is time to invest in a future where the youth and young Liberians are not only engaged in their education but are also equipped to lead Liberia towards a brighter horizon.
As the world continues to evolve, so too must Liberia adjust its vision and practices, harnessing the untapped IQ of its youth to carve out a prosperous and competitive future.
The second quarter of the 21st century can be a turning point for the nation, provided that a collective effort is made to empower and uplift its young people.
