By Taisiah K. Merfee
IPNEWW-Monrovia: A non-for-profit organization called Big Sisters Organization (BOS) on Thursday, April 20, 2023 organized a national consultative meeting with the Government of Liberia, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and youths networks for the development of a national advocacy roadmap in Liberia.
The meeting which was held, in the Borough of New Kru Town aims to enhance understanding of stakeholders about the key issues affecting adolescents and young people and to improve the capacity of stakeholders to analyze and assess the need and challenges of adolescents and youth people in the community.
Providing overview of the meeting, BSO Project Director Amelia G. Frederick stated that there are 1.8 billion adolescents and youth in the world which is the largest cohort in history; adding that many countries are lagging in prioritizing tailored national policies and programs for the population group.
Madam Frederick revealed that a major milestone of the campaign will occur during 11-12 October 2023, when PMNCH will organize the Global Forum for Adolescents (GFA), the world’s largest-ever gathering for adolescent well-being.
She explained that GFA will consist of a global virtual main stage and be accompanied by a broad variety of events led by partners at the country level.
BSO project director noted that the campaign and forum will be co-owned and co-developed by young people3 through meaningful Adolescent and Youth Engagement4 (MAYE) and all PMNCH partners.
“The expected outcome is to mobilize and to reach out to 5,000 adolescents and young people in the country, gathering their respective view of what young people want,” Madam Frederick said.
Speaking after the participants’ group work, BSO Project Officer Jutomue Doetein said the conclusion of the group presentation will cover key advocates, events, and dates.
Doetein disclosed that the presentations will be consolidated and the organization will ensure that activities are staged to allow them to speak out for young people in Liberia.
BSO Project Officer indicated that all advocacy organizations must be very robust in engaging the government to ensure that the needs for women and girls’ empowerment are prioritized.
“After today, these documents (presentation) will be structured well and will be shared with all participants for the use of professional purposes in the future,” he added.
On her part, Zoe Kanneh who represented the Ministry of Education (MOH) described the national consultative meeting as “unique” because the BOS project is in line with the Ministry of Education.
Madam Kanneh assured BSO that MOE arms are open to working with them; stating that the problem in the country is education.
Speaking on behalf of the participants, Zowah Nenyeah, Public Health Initiate Liberia (PHIL) Project Coordinator thanked BSO for organizing such a unique meeting for which they will be able to reason to advocate for young people in the country despite the many challenges.
The national consultative meeting was grace by members of GoL, CSOs, and youth networks.
