FLY LAUNCHES THREE YEARS STRATEGIC PLAN
...Seeks Frank Campaign for Youth Development
MONROVIA-The Federation of Liberia Youth, (FLY) has launched its historic three years strategic plan.
The new plan which is coded, “ Up To Us” will empower youths to provide the remedial solutions that threaten youth existence and development in the Country.
Speaking during the launch of the three years strategic plan, FLY’s President, Banice Stephenie Elliott indicated that the plan contained suggestions from young people in politics, social activism, the vulnerable, including those from the rural parts of the country.
“The future we want for us is up to us, this is why the FLY we are building over the next three years, will be involved in every single issue concerning young people”, she emphasized.
The President of FLY indicated that the document will track questions and concerns young people continue to raise on a daily basis.
“Our objectives are clear, over the next three years, we will work among other things to develop a comprehensive and coordinated National Youth Policy that promotes and protects the young people of Liberia, we will be developing innovative strategies to engage and empower and develop 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 issues captured in the plan include the promotion of youth leadership and capacity-building initiatives, advocacy for the protection of the rights of young people in Liberia, and the elimination of gender-based violence in Liberia.
According to Madam Elliot, the objectives of the plan centered around diverse pillars her leadership intends to tackle.
“My Leadership will never rest in its quest to have a re-branded FLY that doesn’t see youth generally but in diversity.
The new agenda is not simply an agenda 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 plan will also focus on youth living with disabilities, youth affected by a natural disaster, youth in the informal sector as well as youth people living in poverty, young people at risk of exploitation and abuse, youth in the diaspora among others” she indicated.
President Elliott stressed that FLY’s role is to ensure that the youth environment is coordinated and that will foster change for a sustainable future.
“Let’s unite and take robust actions in maintaining youth’s peace and security before, during, and after these elections”, she urged the dominant population of the Country, the young people.
“We want to reconstruct our relationship with partners and expand FLY’s Membership to include every single youth organization in Liberia”, she added.
The launch of the three years strategic plan is the first step and a new beginning to address some of the challenges FLY is faced with.
She used the occasion to call on all partners to support the developmental endeavors of the youth organization.
The FLY’s Boss also urged the Government of Liberia to provide its unflinching support aimed at allowing the umbrella youth organization to achieve its desired objectives.
Speaking directly to Finance and Development Planning Minister, Samuel D. Tweah, who was present at the Occasion, President Banica urged him, through the Government to design a signature project for the over three million young people of Liberia.
This, she noted, when fully implemented, will show verifiable proof of the current government’s commitment to young people.
She reminded Minister Tweah that FLY has submitted a proposal to his office for consideration under the National Budget.
Among other things, the proposal highlighted the construction of a national youth center before the end of the current regime.
“We have a place for sports, we have a place for entertainment, what we do not have is a national center for innovation and creativity where young people can exchange ideas in a civilized way to promote democracy and development”, she added.
Meanwhile, making special remarks, Finance and Development Planning Minister Samuel D. Tweah recommitted Government’s support to young people across the Country.
He acknowledged the pivotal role the key sector of the Country has to play in the peace and development processes of the Country.
Alphonso Toweh
Has been in the profession for over twenty years. He has worked for many international media outlets including: West Africa Magazine, Africa Week Magazine, African Observer and did occasional reporting for CNN, BBC World Service, Sunday Times, NPR, Radio Deutchewells, Radio Netherlands. He is the current correspondent for Reuters
He holds first MA with honors in International Relations and a candidate for second master in International Peace studies and Conflict Resolution from the University of Liberia.