SOS Children’s Villages in Liberia Liberia concluded a five-day National Youth Power Summit in Monrovia on Friday, April 5. The summit was attended by over 70 change-makers and enablers from two counties – Grand Basa and Montserado. The Youth Power Coordinator of SOS Children’s Village Regional Office in West, North and Central Africa, based in Dakar, Senegal was also in attendance.

During the summit, the young participants were challenged by the National Director of SOS Children’s Village in Liberia, Prosper M. Ndione, to use the skills they learned to bring about positive change in their communities. Ndione emphasized that the skills acquired could greatly improve their lives and society, and urged Liberian youths to be creative and innovative in enhancing the socio-economic development of the nation. He further stressed that developing the potential of Liberian youth should be a priority to transform the development of Liberia.

Ndione also revealed that SOS Children’s Villages Liberia is working alongside the Liberian government through the Ministry of Gender, Children & Social Protection, and the Ministry of Youth and Sports to develop the skills and talents of youth in the country.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Youth and Sports, Jeror Cole Bangalu, expressed his appreciation to SOS Children’s Villages for their support, particularly to children who have lost parental care. He also emphasized the need to transform young people who are victims of drug abuse in Liberia, stating that several youth have been victimized by illicit drugs across the country, and rehabilitating them should be given priority. He further stressed the need to prioritize vocational and technical skills training for young people.

Minister Bangalu also acknowledged the crucial role of SOS Children’s Village Liberia in developing Liberian children. He pledged to inform President Joseph Nyuma Boakai about the positive impact of SOS Children’s Villages in Liberia.