The Federation of Liberian Youth (FLY) has officially launched its three-year strategic plan dubbed “Up to Us,” aim at displaying youth ownership and power in providing solutions to issues that threaten youth development.
At the launched, FLY first female president, Banica Stephanie Elliott stated that the plan is made up of suggestions from young people in political parties, social activism, and vulnerable and rural youth.
“The future we want is up to us. That’s why the FLY we’re building over the next three years will be involved in every single issue concerning young people,” she emphasized.
The launch of the National Youth document, according to her, is also to identify FLY’s path for tackling how it intends to answer the big questions young people ask themselves every day. “Our objectives are clear.”
“Over the next three years, we will work at developing a comprehensive and coordinated national youth policy that promotes and protects the young people of Liberia. We will develop innovative strategies to engage and empower young people in the decision-making process, advocate for improved access to quality education and employment opportunities for all youth in Liberia,” she said.
Other focus areas in the plan are promoting youth leadership and capacity development initiatives, advocating for the protection of the rights of young people in Liberia, and eliminating gender-based violence in Liberia.
Elliot further explained that the objectives speak to different pillars of her agenda and her leadership is ready to tackle them, noting that her leadership will never rest in its quest to see a rebranded FLY that doesn’t see youth generally but in diversity.
She emphasized that the new agenda is not only for the urban, educated youth but also for youth living in rural and urban communities, disadvantaged and vulnerable youth, youth with no training or education, and youth living in conflict zones.
The FLY president also maintained that the plan will also focus on youth living with disabilities, youth affected by natural disasters, youth in the informal sector, as well as youth living in poverty. Others she pointed out are young people at risk of exploitation and abuse, youth in the diaspora, among others.
She added that FLY’s role is to ensure a coordinated youth sector, foster change, and ensure a sustainable future. “Let’s unite and take robust actions in maintaining youth peace and security before, during, and after these elections
“We want to reconstruct our relationship with partners and expand FLY membership to include every single youth organization in Liberia,” she added.
Meanwhile, the FLY president at the same time also urged Finance Minister, Samuel Tweah to institute a signature project for the over 3 million young people of Liberia, and noted, “When fully implemented, will show veritable proof of the current government’s commitment to young people.”
She then reminded Minister Tweah that FLY submitted a proposal to his office for consideration under the National Budget, which she said highlighted the construction of a national youth center before the end of the current regime’s six years in office.
Source: africanentertainment.com
