Monrovia —The U.S. Government through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Catholic Relief Services (CRS) celebrated the remarkable achievements of the Youth for Peace (Y4P) Activity at a closeout event that brought together stakeholders from across Liberia.
Funded by USAID and implemented by CRS from July 2021 to December 2024, the initiative directly engaged over 5,000 youth and community members in Bong, Nimba, and Montserrado Counties.
Through innovative people-to-people approaches, consultative gatherings, workshops, and edutainment sessions, the Y4P Activity successfully fostered peace and strengthened social cohesion in Liberia’s most vulnerable communities.
In her opening remarks, CRS Country Representative Glynnis Cummings-John highlighted the resilience and creativity of Liberia’s youth. “Our young people are not passive bystanders. They are dynamic leaders, creating transformative responses to violence, inequality, and poverty. This Activity underscores their potential to drive positive change and build a stronger Liberia,” she said.
The impact of the Y4P Activity was particularly evident during Liberia’s 2023 general elections. U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires, Catherine Rodriguez, praised the initiative’s achievements, noting, “These young leaders are shaping a future rooted in peace and opportunity. Their determination and resilience are transforming Liberia, one community at a time.” She also added that “The United States is proud to stand with Liberia’s youth as they lead the way toward peace, prosperity, and unity.”
The closeout event, attended by over dozens of representatives from the Government of Liberia, youth organizations, civil society, and donors, celebrated the program’s accomplishments and provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss lessons learned and explore strategies to sustain its impact. Participants shared personal stories of transformation and reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that Liberia’s youth remain at the forefront of peacebuilding and development.
The Y4P Activity delivered training workshops and edutainment events that built trust among diverse groups, mobilized youth to lead peacebuilding efforts during critical periods, and delivered millions of peace messages to communities nationwide. These efforts have laid a strong foundation for lasting peace and unity in Liberia.
Stakeholders emphasized the importance of continued collaboration and investment in peacebuilding programs to maintain the progress achieved by the Y4P Activity. The discussions reaffirmed the collective resolve to expand these efforts, ensuring a brighter future for Liberia driven by the energy and vision of its young leaders.
About Catholic Relief Services (CRS)
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) was founded in 1943 by the Catholic Bishops of the U.S. to assist the poor and disadvantaged overseas based on need, regardless of creed, ethnicity, or nationality. CRS is one of the world’s largest private voluntary organizations and has programs in nearly 100. CRS Liberia is known for managing complex multi-sectoral relief, rehabilitation, and development projects. Of late, the program has expanded its intervention through an integrated and participatory approach to include projects in peacebuilding, agriculture, health and nutrition, WASH, disaster mitigation and emergency response and livelihoods. CRS Liberia projects aim at strengthening communities’ capacity to improve their health and social conditions. CRS Liberia works with ‘all people”, physically challenged, women, men, and youth.
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