GBARNGA, Bong County, Liberia — The Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy (NIMD) has launched its Democracy School for Youth Wings of Political Parties, a capacity-building initiative aimed at strengthening youth leadership, promoting democratic values, and enhancing inclusive political participation across Liberia.
The inaugural cohort, comprising 24 young leaders drawn from more than a dozen political parties, completed an intensive week-long training from March 23–27 in Gbarnga, Bong County.
The programme equipped participants with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in constitutional democracy, civic engagement, ethical leadership, gender inclusion in politics, and digital political participation.
Call for Transformative Leadership
Delivering opening remarks, NIMD Liberia Country Director Oscar Bloh emphasized the need for ethical, inclusive, and transformative youth participation in Liberia’s political landscape.
“This Democracy School is designed to help you rethink leadership, internalize the lessons, and apply them to build a political culture rooted in ethics, inclusion, and accountability,” Bloh said.
He urged participants to champion internal reforms within their respective political parties and adopt collaborative approaches to addressing national challenges.
Youth Urged to Move Beyond Symbolism
Luther Jeke, Chief Executive Officer of iCampus, challenged participants to move beyond symbolic involvement in politics.
“Shift your mindset from merely being present to actively shaping decisions,” he said, encouraging young leaders to take ownership of political processes.
Cllr. Jallah Barbu, Executive Director of the Office for the Establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court, highlighted the critical role of youth in advancing democratic development.
“Young people have enormous potential to drive democratic progress. Liberia needs your voice, energy, and ideas,” Barbu noted.
Similarly, Eddie Jarwolo, Executive Director of Naymote Partners for Democratic Development, called for a coordinated and policy-driven youth agenda.
“Prioritize strengthening institutions and shaping policies rather than personalities,” Jarwolo urged.
Participants Commit to Action
Participants expressed appreciation for the programme and reaffirmed their commitment to applying the knowledge gained.
“This training reshaped my political understanding and strengthened my commitment to advancing democratic transformation,” one participant said.
At the close of the programme, the cohort committed to:
- Promoting youth inclusion within political parties
- Strengthening intra- and inter-party dialogue
- Advocating for structural and policy reforms
- Fostering peaceful and constructive political engagement
Building a Platform for Inclusive Politics
The Democracy School provides a dynamic platform for fostering inclusive decision-making and enhancing the capacity of young political actors to contribute meaningfully to national governance.
Through expert-led sessions, peer learning, and collaborative exercises, participants developed practical action plans aimed at strengthening youth engagement and promoting policy-driven leadership within their parties.
The initiative forms part of NIMD Liberia’s broader efforts to advance inclusive political participation and democratic governance.
It is implemented under the Liberia Electoral Support Project, managed by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in partnership with UN Women and NIMD, with support from the European Union, Ireland, and Sweden.
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