By Emmanuel S. King, Jr.

The YMCA of Liberia recently concluded a 5-day Youth Peace and Security (YPS) Training for its Youth Peace Club and Youth Leaders as part of the Civil Peace Service (CPS) Program with a total of 51 trainees successfully concluding the exercise. Tagged “Youth Peace and Security Training for Youth and Peace Club Leaders” was strategically crafted to empower youth leaders to better spearhead the advancement of peace and security within their respective environs.

This intervention is anticipated to bolster their understanding of youth, peace, and security, coupled with their aptitude for relaying knowledge to others, fostering a cascade of learning across the program implementation sites.

Moreover, it is poised to cultivate peer-to-peer learning and information sharing among diverse cohorts, fostering sustained participation and continuity of learning.

                                               Some Participants in a group session

True to the YMCA Liberia’s principles of sustainability, this endeavor offered structured capacity building avenues for both the Peace Clubs and the Youth Leaders to enhance their ability to disseminate information amongst members and fellow peers throughout project locations. This methodology intends to establish an enduring cycle of learning and exchange that promises a lasting and sustained impact.

This 5-day training specifically concentrated on “Youth Peace and Security” utilizing the Africa Alliance of YMCAs (AAYMCA) Youth Peace and Security (YPS) Playbook. Participants in this inaugural phase of the training included members from YMCA CPS Peace Clubs situated in schools across program areas and representatives of the Local Youth Councils from Bong, Margibi, and Nimba counties.

Training Objectives

The objectives of this engagement revolved around empowering Peace Clubs and Youth Leaders with the capacity to effectively disseminate information about youth, peace, and security, and equip them with hands-on peacebuilding skills through the use of the AAYMCA YPS Playbook, fostering effective community engagement.

Preparing for a presentation in a group session

It was also designed to advocate for youth involvement in peace and security decision making processes at the community and local levels and strengthen their capacities for effective advocacy and leadership on the primary conflict drivers of inequality, unemployment, and social exclusion.

Training Outcomes

As a result, the program is expected to improve participants’ knowledge and ability to champion youth, peace, and security within their communities, as well as apply conflict prevention and peacebuilding skills to promote sustainable peaceful coexistence and effective community engagement. Increased youth participation in the peace and security arena and improved leadership and advocacy skills for young people would be fostered, leading to a stronger and peaceful community.

Participants in Kakata, Margibi County