Big Sisters Organization (BSO) is making strides in championing the rights and well-being of adolescents in Liberia through its active involvement in the Advocating for Change for Adolescents project. On the 10th of November 2023, BSO conducted the first round gathering inputs on the Agenda for Action for Adolescents, a significant step towards influencing national policies for the benefit of young people.
The event, held at the American Conner in Margibi, brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including representatives from the Ministry of Health (Margibi County Health Team), youth-led organizations, the Federation of the Liberian Students Union in Margibi, and the Margibi County Youth Caucus, among others. A total of 32 stakeholders participated in the groundbreaking initiative.
Miss Oretha Tenway, Executive Director of the Action for Girls Empowerment Inc., delivered the welcome remarks, expressing gratitude to BSO and acknowledging the importance of advocating for the rights of adolescents. She highlighted the significance of the partnership with BSO in localizing the “Agenda for Action for Adolescents” (triple A) and commended the organization’s commitment to the cause.
Amelia G. Frederick, Executive Director of Big Sisters Organization, presented an overview of the Advocating for Change for Adolescents Project, emphasizing the focus on movement building in its third phase. She underscored BSO’s role as the implementing partner of the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn & Child Health (PMNCH) in Liberia, highlighting the organization’s substantial contributions to the 1.8 billion young people for Change Campaign.
Jutomue Doetein, a project staff member, led a presentation on the triple A, elucidating the seven key items on the Agenda for Action for Adolescents. The interactive session included an open discussion to gather inputs from participants, ensuring a collaborative approach to the project.
Jeremiah Velezue, a representative of the Federation of Liberian Youth in Margibi, expressed gratitude to BSO for localizing the triple A and urged fellow young people to take ownership of the agenda, emphasizing continued engagement with the Government of Liberia.
Princess Doe, another participant, thanked BSO and called on the government to prioritize the needs of adolescents by aligning national plans with the triple A. Dr. Siannah Y. Jackson from the Margibi County Health Team welcomed BSO and emphasized the commitment of the Government of Liberia, ensuring the localization of the triple A through health, education, and development programs for young people at the county level.
In conclusion, BSO extended appreciation to all participants and pledged to continue localizing the agenda among stakeholders in Liberia. Looking ahead, the organization is gearing up for the second round of engagements, focusing on gathering inputs from youth leaders and organizations in Montserrado County to further tailor the Agenda for Action for Adolescents for use in the national policy context.
Big Sisters Organization is a non-profit dedicated to empowering and advocating for the rights and well-being of adolescents in Liberia. Through strategic partnerships and community engagement, BSO works towards creating a positive and impactful change in the lives of young people.
