An Unwavering Commitment To Creating A Better Future For Children
PHOTO: Roberto Randall Cooper, Jr. is Speaker of the Liberia Children’s Forum (LCF)
Starting this weekend (today, Saturday, January 12, 2025), www.newspublictrust.com begins rolling out a series profiling individuals in our society, especially young people on their positive activities, dreams and aspirations for the betterment of Liberia and yea the world.
Readers and followers can send in autobiographies, biographies, CVs or profiles to: newspublictrust@gmail.com. We intend to make this series our weekend staple that would help to inspire other young and older Liberians.
AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY:
Full Name: Roberto Randall Cooper Jr.
Place of Birth: Gio Quarter Community, Kakata City, Margibi County, Liberia
Tribe: Kpelleh, with Lorma heritage,
Current Residence: Monrovia Liberia
Education:
Roberto began his educational journey at the Shalala Rubber Corporation School System in Margibi District #5.
Over the years, he has attended several prestigious institutions, including George V. Gibson Memorial United Methodist High School KRTTI, Demonstration High School, Better Foundation Academy, Grace Community Academy, Drims School System, and the Booker Washington Institute.
He is currently a 12th-grade student at Independent Bethlehem Baptist High School.
In addition to his formal education, Roberto is a national member of the Students Press Association of Liberia, showcasing his interest in leadership and advocacy for students.
Leadership Roles and Advocacy Roberto Randall Cooper Jr. is a dedicated advocate for youth and children’s rights, with his journey beginning at the age of 13 in Kakata.
His unwavering commitment to creating a better future for children and young people, e in general, has earned him both national and international recognition.
Key Leadership Roles:
Speaker of the Liberia Children’s Forum (LCF):
Roberto leads the Liberia Children’s Forum with a focus on inclusivity and gender equity, exemplified by his leadership team comprising approximately 65% female members.
Under his leadership, the Forum has amplified the voices of Liberian children, influencing policies and initiatives that directly impact their lives.
Chairman of the Margibi County Children’s Forum:
Roberto currently serves as the Chairman of the Margibi County Children’s Forum.
He began his journey in Margibi in 2021 as Co-Chair, and later, in 2023, he went to Bassa.
In 2024, following his return, he was elected Chairman, further strengthening his leadership in advocating for children’s rights and addressing local issues.
Former Chairman of the Grand Bassa County Children’s Forum: Before his current role in Margibi, Roberto served as the Chairman of the Grand Bassa County Children’s Forum in 2023.
Secretary General of the Liberia Children’s Forum: Roberto served as Secretary General of the Liberia Children’s Forum.
During his term as Secretary, Roberto planned serval concepts that promoted the leadership of the then-speaker, including The Children Forum Camp to Bomi and the establishment of the National Committee Guidelines.
His leadership in Grand Bassa and the National laid the foundation for his continued advocacy work and helped establish him as a trusted and effective voice for Liberian children.
Roberto is also a member of the Kakata YMC and a very close advocacy partner to the current president.
International Engagements:
Roberto has represented Liberia on global platforms, including the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA #79), where he advocated for the rights and welfare of Children.
During this mission, Roberto met with top government officials, Both from Liberia and other countries across the world.
Roberto met presidents of many African Presidents and Liberia’s President, Amb Joseph N. Boaka, in New York-USA to discuss pressing issues affecting the Children of Liberia.
Additionally, during the South-South Exchange Program to Sierra Leone, where his leadership, Unicef, and the Ministry of Gender Conducted, Roberto played a pivotal role in the establishment of the African Children’s Alliance—a groundbreaking initiative uniting child advocates across the continent.
This achievement marked a historic milestone for the Liberia Children’s Forum, as it was the first time in the Forum’s history that elected officials, including a county representative, actively participated in an international event like the Exchange.
Founder and CEO of NOVA Youth Alliance: NOVA Youth Alliance is an NGO founded by Roberto with the motto “Empowering Youth, Shaping Tomorrow.”
The organization is committed to promoting Democracy, Innovation, Justice, Leadership, and Advocacy, providing young people with the tools to shape their futures.
Significant Achievements Youngest Guest Speaker for Liberia’s Trafficking in Persons Day:
Roberto made history as the youngest individual to serve as a guest speaker for Liberia’s Trafficking in Persons Day, hosted by the Ministry of Labour, the US Embassy, and other international and national partners.
His impactful speech highlighted the urgency of combating trafficking and protecting vulnerable children.
Events and Initiatives:
Roberto has played a pivotal role in organizing significant events and initiatives aimed at fostering youth empowerment and child advocacy.
- Liberia Children’s Forum World Children’s Day Celebration: Roberto spearheaded the planning of the 2024 celebration under the theme “Listen to the Future,” highlighting the aspirations and dreams of Liberian children.
- Liberia Children’s Forum National Assembly and Camp Wonderland: He is leading preparations for the upcoming Liberia Children’s Forum Camp Wonderland and National Assembly.
These events, scheduled to take place in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County, from December 27–30, 2024, are expected to be landmark gatherings for Liberian children and youth leaders.
- The Planning of the Children Consultative Session held at the Monrovia City Hall with a mission of getting children’s perspective on preparing Liberia Children’s position for the UNGA.
- The Planning and Launch of the Street Child Project in Liberia on August 28, 2024.
Roberto Randall Cooper Jr. continues to inspire and empower young people across Liberia and beyond, with a vision of creating a brighter, more inclusive future, known as the Children Ambassador, with a theme: Make Liberia Great Again.