11/12/2025
A Year of Purposeful Service and Impact.
Celebrating One Year of Leadership at the National Youth Council, YMCA of Liberia
On September 28, 2024, A new team was elected as the leadership of the National Youth Council of the YMCA of Liberia . Today, one year later, the leadership under President Z Timothy Akoi Jr. stand deeply grateful for the trust that was placed in us and proud of the milestones we have achieved together, despite the many challenges that greeted us upon taking office.
We assumed leadership at a time when the YMCA was navigating a highly political landscape: the search for a new NGS, the unexpected termination of the PSICD project (a major pillar of youth empowerment project), budget shortfalls within the NGOs circle due to USAID and many other challenges.
Yet, in the midst of all this, we remained steadfast in the empowerment of young people for the African Renaissance.
Despite these obstacles, we committed ourselves to service, and together, we made remarkable progress.
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE PAST YEAR
1. Strengthening Partnerships and Engagements
Beginning in October 2024, we held meaningful engagements with key partners including the Federation of Liberian Youth, MRU-YP Liberia Chapter, UMovement, YMCA Veterans, the Liberia Council of Churches Youth Desk, and stakeholders across the YMCA structure. These partnerships have strengthened our foundation for collective youth development.
2. Empowering Local Leadership
Between October and early November, we conducted Local Board Elections and facilitated strategic planning sessions with Local Youth Councils in various counties, reviving grassroots leadership and promoting stronger coordination nationwide.
3. National Youth Council Induction Ceremony
On November 14, 2024, we were officially inducted into office. It was a ceremony that marked a renewed commitment to youth empowerment, leadership, and service.
4. National Youth Peace & Service Camp
From December 26–31, 2024, we hosted a transformative Youth Peace and Service Camp in Tumutu, B**g County, bringing together 217 young leaders from 13 counties to promote unity, service, and national development
5. National Planning Retreat
On March 1, 2025, we convened a successful planning retreat at New Miami Beach, Monrovia, to evaluate our progress and realign our strategies for sustained impact.
6. National Easter Camp
In partnership with the Liberia Council of Churches Youth Desk, we held the National Easter Camp from April 17–20, 2025, in Todee, Montserrado County, it was a meaningful period of spiritual growth, dialogue, and youth engagement.
7. First National EXCO Sitting & Membership Fund Drive
Our first Executive Council sitting was held in Voinjama, Lofa County, where we also launched a YMCA Membership Fund Drive dedicated to sustaining and expanding our programs.
8. International Youth Exchange Program to Sierra Leone.
From July 7–12, 2025, we conducted the first-ever International Youth Exchange Program in partnership with YMCA Sierra Leone.
It was meant for deepening regional collaboration and global youth engagement.
About 12 youth leaders from across Liberia joined their counterparts in Freetown and Bo cities (Sierra Leone) to strengthen and align major youth empowerment programmes for both Liberia and Sierra Leone.
9. International Youth Day & 144th YMCA Anniversary
On August 12, 2025, we celebrated International Youth Day and the 144th Anniversary of the Liberia YMCA in Gbarnga, B**g County.
Over 200 young people from across the nation gathered under the theme “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond."
LOOKING AHEAD
We are excited about several upcoming initiatives, including:
National Youth Leadership & Service Camp in Robertsport, Grand Cape Mount County from December 26-31, 2025.
To be held under the theme: Empowering Youth Voices for Leadership, Positive Change, and Community Service.
Kindly click the link to apply: https://forms.gle/mkFXp86enmditLqG6
National Quizzing Competition in 2026 – celebrating youth intellect, creativity, and innovation
YMCA Veterans Day in February 2026 to appreciate the lagecy they have built.
The continuation of the International Youth Exchange Program to Ghana and Kenya in 2026.
The establishment of full YMCA structures in Grand Cape Mount, Grand Bassa, and Sinoe counties.
Our YMCA older boys conference in 2026; marking an initiative that once united and brought together young leaders from across the YMCA structure for positive impact and change making.
Our Decentralisation Agenda, ensuring that every young person, in every county, feels the presence, relevance, and benefits of membership in the YMCA
We remain open to partnerships that align with our mission of empowering young people for a renewed and vibrant Africa.
APPRECIATION
To the fellow leaders of the National Youth Council, our partners, supporters, Local and National Boards, the YMCA Secretariat, and all young leaders across Liberia, thank you. Your commitment, collaboration, and belief in our vision have made this journey impactful.
Together, we continue to build stronger, more united Liberia through youth leadership and service.
Thank you.
May God bless you, and may God bless Liberia.
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