HARBEL, Margibi County — The Office for the Establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court (OWECC‑L), in partnership with UNICEF, has concluded a pilot Grade School Ambassadorial and Internship Summit that drew strong participation from schools across Lower Margibi and ended with students pledging to promote peace and accountability in their communities.
Held over two weekends, the summit engaged students from Harbel Multilateral High School, Peters Town Public School, the Firestone Liberia School System, Mother of Jesus Christ Catholic School, and the YMCA School System. Sessions focused on youth participation in governance, civic responsibility, and the role of accountability in sustaining peace.
“It is a significant honor to witness the culmination of this process in our city, especially with the participation of so many students,” said Cllr. Dr. Jallah Barbu, OWECC‑L’s executive director, at the wrap‑up event in Harbel. “Today, we celebrate not only the concluding session but also a renewed commitment to ensuring that our youth are empowered to promote peace and accountability in our society.”
Children’s leaders urged peers to reject violence. “We are the over 2.5 million children of Liberia, and today we reaffirm our commitment to contributing to our nation’s peace,” said Roberto Cooper, Speaker of the Children’s Parliament Representative Forum. “We will not be used as tools of violence; instead, we will promote peace and accountability.”
UNICEF Deputy Country Representative Dr. Amadou Cissé urged students to learn from Liberia’s past while shaping a more peaceful future. “You are the generation born after the war, but you have been affected by its legacy,” he said. “When we listen to the stories of victims and hold perpetrators accountable, we pave the way for a united and strong Liberia.”
Deputy Justice Minister Cllr. Cora Hare Konuwa encouraged students to stay informed and engaged. “Accountability is not just about the past; it shapes the future that lies ahead of you,” she said. “Being informed and engaged will empower you to contribute positively to society.”
Participants and organizers called for continued collaboration among youth, government, and civil society to sustain a culture of peace and accountability. OWECC‑L said the pilot will inform future youth‑focused civic initiatives as Liberia continues its reconciliation and development journey.
