As youth across the country celebrate International Youth Day in Kakata, Margibi County, Atty. Laura Gelakeh wants the Government to take Firm Stand Against Drugs in Schools, Workplaces & Communities

Youth across the 15 Political Subdivisions of Liberia gathered on August 12, 2025, at the Booker Washington Institute (BWI) campus in Kakata City, Margibi County, to celebrate International Youth Day under the theme: “Empowering Liberian Youth through Innovation, Partnerships, and Community Action.” 

Delivering the keynote address at the International Youth Day celebration, the Deputy Minister for Children Protection at the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Hon. Atty. Laura Gelakeh urged the youth of Liberia to see this occasion as a significant moment in their lives to foster love, unity, and respect. She encouraged them to work towards self-empowerment, particularly after graduation, actively, and to take charge of their own future.

Minister Gelakeh also cautioned young people against over-reliance on political parties, noting that after election campaigns, many believe their only hope for employment lies in political connections. Instead, she urged them to become good ambassadors of change wherever they find themselves, whether in their communities, schools, or workplaces.

Furthermore, she called on the government to continue creating job opportunities for young people both before and after graduation, emphasizing that such opportunities would motivate them to strive for success. Concluding her remarks, she appealed to all Liberians to take a firm stand against drug abuse in their communities, schools, and workplaces, underscoring that the youth are the future leaders of the nation.

Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Youth and Sports, Hon. Cllr. Jeror Cole Bangalu expressed appreciation to the partners, including AFD, UNRC, UNIDO, IECD,  LINSU, MRU-YP, MOE, and MYS, for their continuous support to the ministry during such programs each year. He encouraged the youth to use International Youth Day as a time to reflect on the way forward and to engage in activities that promote their well-being and personal development.

International Youth Day, set aside in 1989 by the United Nations, aims to bring together young people to discuss strategies for their advancement and to chart a new course of action for their well-being. 

The 2025 International Youth Day celebration brought together key stakeholders, including the European Union, the Government of Sweden, AFD, UNRC, UNIDO, IECD, CSO/YSCM, LINSU, MRU-YP, MOE, and MYS.