YMCA Liberia National General Secretary and CEO, Mrs. Vonyee Newton Kolison, has initiated efforts to fully revive and strengthen YMCA programs and activities in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County. As part of this process, Mrs. Kolison and her team recently met with Grand Bassa County Superintendent, Hon. Karyou Johnson, to brief him on the YMCA’s youth-focused initiatives and plans to construct a youth center in Buchanan.

The YMCA delegation included Mrs. Vonyee N. Kolison, National General Secretary of the Liberia YMCA; Madam Amanda Armah, Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Officer; and Mr. Numen C. Wheaton, YMCA Focal Person in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County.

During the meeting, Mrs. Kolison informed Superintendent Johnson that the YMCA already maintains a presence in Buchanan through a space provided at the offices of the Bassa Youth Caucus. She highlighted the YMCA’s long-standing contribution to youth development across Liberia, noting that many former beneficiaries of YMCA programs are now professionals serving in both the public and private sectors.

“With the YMCA’s youth employment and civic engagement programs, we are confident that constructing a youth center with facilities for our various programs, including a basketball court, will positively impact the young people of Grand Bassa County,” Mrs. Kolison said.

YMCA CEO, Mrs. Vonyee N. Kolison (left), Superintendent Karyou Johnson (Center), Madam Amanda Armah (center) and Mr. Numen Wheaton (right).

She further explained that the YMCA previously had access to land near the Fair Ground in Buchanan, but the property is now occupied, creating the need for a new space for the proposed youth center.

Madam Amanda Armah emphasized the large youth population in Buchanan and the YMCA’s readiness to engage and empower young people through its programs and activities. She noted that sustained engagement with youth can drive positive change and contribute significantly to the county’s development.

Both Mrs. Kolison and Madam Armah reiterated the importance of securing land for the construction of a YMCA youth center in Buchanan. In response, Superintendent Johnson thanked the YMCA delegation for updating him on the organization’s operations and development plans. He assured the team of his office’s support as the YMCA works toward establishing a permanent facility dedicated to youth development programs in Grand Bassa County.

Written by Emmanuel S. King, Jr.