PHOTO: Former Rep. Saah Gbollie rallying youths to be none-violent
By Austin J. Wisseh, jaustinwisseh100@gmail.com
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MARGIBI, Liberia- A former Liberian Lawmaker, Saah Richard Gbollie has been rallying Liberian Youths on the need to be non-violent in finding redress to problems.
Youths are usually at the center of most of the incidents of violence across the country, and his caution comes some 15 months to presidential and general elections in Liberia due to be held in 2023.
“You Give Right To Leaders Who Don’t Prioritize You,” the former Liberia Lawmaker cautioned young people.
Former Representative Gbollie was among speakers who addressed youth in Dolo Town on the Monrovia-Robetsfield highway at a program recently held by YARD-Liberia Inc. in observance of International Youth Day under the banner, Alliance for Civic Engagement and Democracy Innovation; Men Engage Liberia and partners.
Scores of citizens gathered at the Dolo Town Hall last weekend (Friday morning, August 12) and the international theme was: Intergenerational Solidarity: creating a World for all Ages.
The former Margibi Lawmaker, who is now a practicing Lawyer and businessman, was among speakers of diverse ages to motivate, encourage and amongst others, lecture the gathering on the following topics: Creating a one Learning Community for All, Building a Youthful network of all ages to kick against all forms of violence ahead of 2023 elections, Intergenerational Dialogue: leveraging the full potential of all generation for peace, accountability and inclusive participation and Finding Inner Peace.
In his presentation, former Rep. Gbollie shifted responsibility to Liberia’s youthful population for the leadership of the country.
“Until you can own what belongs to you, you’ll always be discriminated against. There are national challenges confronting the youths. Why should a high school graduate be required 2 to 5 years working experience when seeking job; when no vacation job is offered? Some of you are looking for instant gratuity and forgetting the future. Look beyond the current. Many youths are trying their best amid barriers and difficulties. We have to look out for each other. At least for the last 30 years, the young people hold themselves responsible. You give your right to leaders who don’t prioritize you. Do something; sit with experienced people in your field and diversify your relationship.”
Mr. Kerkula Mulbah and his motivational words encouraged youths to make the right choices;
“Today is a very good day, International Youth Day. Young people are making strides the world-over. We have to do more because some other countries have more opportunities for their youths and we [Liberia] don’t; it boils to down to the kind of policies we have as a country. Liberia has systemic issues; therefore, many youths are praise singers. Our mission as young people should be to change this country. Let’s make the right choices and not allow ourselves to be used. Making the right choices will enable us learn. Don’t allow the best you’ve done so far to be the standard for the rest of your lives. If Liberia cannot help us now, we should not fail ourselves. The election year (2023) is a defining moment for us young people.” Kerkula, Generation Next Radio Show Presenter concluded.
Mrs. Harrisona T. G. Grimes, a Banker and Executive Director, Real Women of Substance had her time on the podium mentioning among others:
“We should be doers of the words we’re getting today; there will be transformation in Margibi County and Liberia. Please share these messages with at least 5 persons. People of all ages should beware. Young people have a great role to play in preventing violence. Refrain from violence. Even matured women are sometimes involved in violence. Don’t allow your poverty background lead you into violence. Whatever politicians are doing, they depend on you to speak for them. As they are coming, know the kind of laws they want to proffer before supporting them. We therefore call on political leaders to set examples by upholding the universal values of equality and mutual respect amongst all people. Put up a different form. Youths, Liberia will get better.” She concludes.
The Secretary General, Youth Alliance for Rural Development (YARD-Liberia Inc.), Dennis Kroma spoke on the sidelines of the International Youth Day celebration.
“Thanks to the young people and even the elderly that have come to grace the occasion; we also thank all of our partners for making this day possible. We’re using today also to teach the young people how to be good leaders. We encourage young people to make use of these events that increase their understanding. YARD-Liberia Inc stands firm in making sure that lives are transformed. Hence, our chat captures the attendees’ contacts and in that way, we’ll check on them from time to time. The media is doing well for the work we do. Thank you all and thanks to our speakers and partners. I think we are united on this day and hopeful it continues.”
World Youth Day was adopted by the first session of the World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth in Lisbon, Portugal, August 12, 1998. The recommendation was later endorsed by the 54th session of the General Assembly, (resolution A/RES/54/120) with caption, “Policies and Programs Involving Youth”.
The recent program to observe International day raised awareness of the potential of young people for peace building, changing the world and barriers youths face. This year’s theme is Intergenerational solidarity: creating a world for all ages.
The United Nation calls for “Join hands across generations to break down barriers and work as one to achieve a more equitable, just and inclusive world for all people” UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres.
