Liberian Youth Activist and 2015 International Children’s Peace Prize Winner, Abraham M. Keita and his youth team, have begun rallying Liberian lawmakers to enact a law that establishes the Liberia Youth Service Program (LYSEP) to provide thousands of job opportunities for youth.
Keita emphasized that the lack of a Youth Service Program in Liberia has left many young people without opportunities to explore their potential and contribute to the country’s development. He stated that the limited opportunities for youth have hindered Liberia’s proper growth and development.
Keita presented a draft of a bill proposing the establishment of the Liberia Youth Service Program to the Liberian Senate. He stressed that this legislation, when enacted into law, will provide millions of Liberian youth with opportunities for personal growth, development, and participation in nation-building.
The proposed program would be a national service that is mandatory for young people to give back to society. Keita cited his experience in Ghana, where a similar program provided opportunities for young people to be employed while making a societal impact.
The bill proposes the establishment of the Liberia Youth Service Program (LYSEP) as a national service that is payable. It also suggests the creation of a National Secretariat to manage the affairs of LYSEP.
Bong County Senator Johnny Kpehe Sr. and Gbarpolu County Senator Amara Konneh have both expressed support for the Youth Service Program Bill.
They commended Keita and his team for their efforts and promised to review and champion the cause to ensure that the dreams of the country’s youth become a reality.”
