By:Austin S Fallah-A True Son of the Planet Earth Soil:
In a world increasingly characterized by innovation, collaboration, and justice, the definition of citizenship extends far beyond mere participation in government.
This assertion is especially poignant in the Liberian context, where numerous citizens grapple with the dichotomy of political participation and active social engagement.
It is essential to understand that although not every Liberian can occupy a government position, each individual holds the power and responsibility to contribute to social and economic emancipation.
I assert that faithful citizenship in the 21st century is defined not by one’s political office but by civic engagement, empowerment, and collective innovation.
By recognizing and harnessing the potential of all individuals, Liberia can strive towards a brighter, more equitable future for all its citizens.
In Liberia, a select recycled often dominate the political arena, leading to disillusionment among the citizenry.
A culture of elitism and nepotism is prevalent, relegating many to the peripheries of political discourse.
The belief that power resides solely within governmental structures compounds the notion that the average citizen’s voice is insignificant.
However, citizenship should be redefined to encompass broader responsibilities and opportunities.
By embracing a perspective that highlights individual contributions to social and economic improvement, everything from local communities to the national landscape can benefit immensely.
The significance of social and economic emancipation can not be overblown, especially in a context like Liberia’s, where considerable barriers to progress still exist.
This beacon of hope in the Mano River Basin has been shackled by a history of conflict, economic instability, and widespread poverty for too long.
However, each citizen, empowered by a shared vision, can catalyze change from now on and hopefully after the nation’s 178th independence.
Achieving social and economic emancipation necessitates a departure from a passive and resigned attitude towards governance to one that embraces active participation in the country’s rejuvenation.
Moreover, in the 21st century, many of us continue to observe that the tools for empowerment are more accessible than ever.
The proliferation of technology, including the Internet and mobile communication, provides Liberians with previously unimaginable resources.
Digital platforms enable individuals to collaborate, innovate, and mobilize around shared goals.
The action potential is vast, whether through social media campaigns that raise awareness about issues affecting people’s communities or entrepreneurial ventures that create economic opportunities.
However, this potential demands a shift in mindset.
Liberians must begin to envision themselves as part of a collective force for positive change, transcending the belief that contribution is solely tied to a government’s action.
Participation in community-driven initiatives is an excellent example of how Liberians can actively engage in their social and economic environments.
In one of my graduate/Master of Software Systems Engineering classes (Entrepreneurship) at the “Prestigious Catholic University of St.Thomas in the state of 10,000 Lakes, Twin Cities, Midwest of these United States of America”, I learned that citizens can establish cooperatives or local non-profits to create economic opportunities that transcend traditional job structures.
For instance, farmers’ cooperatives can empower local farmers to share resources and learn innovative agricultural techniques, improving crop yields and sustainability.
Such initiatives provide financial benefits and foster community solidarity, a critical component for long-term resilience.
Likewise, education plays a pivotal role in achieving social and economic emancipation.
A well-educated populace is vital in fostering innovation and entrepreneurial spirit.
Citizens should advocate for educational reforms that prepare students for the demands of the modern economy.
Moreover, lifelong learning opportunities for adults are essential, equipping individuals with new skills necessary for a rapidly changing job market.
Local leaders and community members can collaborate with educational institutions to develop programs that address specific regional needs and challenges.
Creating synergies between education, community engagement, and economic development will pave the way for substantial progress.
In addition to local actions, citizens must leverage the power of collaboration to amplify their voice and effect change nationally.
Grassroots movements, advocacy groups, and social enterprises exemplify how individuals can band together to confront shared challenges.
For example, citizens can advocate for policy changes that promote environmental sustainability, social justice, and economic reforms through collaborative efforts.
When citizens unite around these causes, they amplify their voices and hold their government accountable to the needs and rights of the population.
The first half of the 21st century provides unprecedented avenues to engage in public discourse and advocate for justice, including social media platforms that can easily mobilize supporters and disseminate information.
Acknowledging the role of justice is paramount in the discourse surrounding citizenship and emancipation.
In Liberia, where historical grievances and systemic inequality have left deep scars, the pursuit of justice must be integrated into the broader fabric of social and economic emancipation.
Faithful citizenship requires a commitment to address injustices and ensure that all citizens, regardless of their background, are afforded equitable opportunities.
This includes advocating for gender equality, the rights to competitive education and social services, such as safe drinking water, good/better/best hospitals, and the rights of marginalized communities, particularly the hinterland/interior/towns/villages/slums.
Ensuring every citizen is heard and represented is a moral imperative and a catalyst for holistic social progress.
The power of innovation should also be at the forefront as we approach the end of the first half and soon begin adopting the 21st-century citizen mindset.
Liberia has an abundant wealth of untapped resources, from its rich natural endowments to the creative potential of its young people.
Encouraging entrepreneurship fosters a culture of innovation that fuels economic growth and creates sustainable livelihoods.
Programs that support startups, provide microfinancing, and nurture young entrepreneurs can transform the economic landscape.
For example, technological innovations in agriculture, control over supply chains, and manufacturing can elevate local industry and position Liberia as a competitive player in the global marketplace.
Critically, fostering an environment where collaboration, justice, and innovation reign requires a concerted effort from all sectors of society, including the government, private sector, and civil society.
While citizens can drive change at the grassroots level, the institutional framework must simultaneously support these initiatives.
Policy reforms that incentivize social entrepreneurship, create equitable access to resources, and strengthen legal frameworks for protecting human and economic rights are essential.
Government entities should aspire to be facilitators rather than gatekeepers of citizen empowerment.
While it is indisputable that not every Liberian can hold a government position, every citizen has the potential to contribute to their nation’s social and economic emancipation.
Liberians can forge a new path toward prosperity by thinking beyond political office and embracing a (close to the end and soon to begin the second half of the remaining 50 years of the 100 years) 21st-century citizenship characterized by civic engagement, empowerment, and innovative collaboration.
Each individual can act as a change agent, addressing local challenges, advocating for justice, fostering innovation, and collaborating towards shared goals.
In this collective journey towards social and economic emancipation, the spirit of resilience and determination that has long defined the Liberian people can emerge again.
Let every Liberian celebrate the promise of a brighter future and recognize their potential as citizens committed to transforming Liberia for future generations.
