The Youth Development Agency (YDA) has officially kicked off a week-long celebration of Global Youth Service Day (GYSD), launching a series of transformative activities focused on empowering young people through education, volunteerism, and leadership development.
Speaking at the launch, Mr. Robert Gboluma, Executive Director of YDA, underscored the agency’s dedication to youth-led development, particularly through its flagship program, the National Youth Escort.
“Global Youth Service Day brings together nearly six million young people across the world to engage in learning and community service,” Gboluma said. “Our goal is to reframe how society perceives youth—not as problems or dependents, but as active creators and solution providers.”
On Monday, YDA partnered with SOS Children’s Village to host a comprehensive youth training session that addressed pressing issues such as Women’s Rights, Climate Justice, Digital Literacy, and Youth Leadership. These focus areas are designed to equip participants with the tools and knowledge to drive meaningful change in their communities.
Throughout the week, YDA will lead several impactful initiatives. Young people will be trained in anti-culture and tourism to serve as local community guides. In addition, they will participate in sanitation and environmental awareness campaigns that encourage active community stewardship. Volunteer exercises will involve reading support for children, organizing local libraries, and providing environmental education to younger students.
By the end of the week, participants will be officially certified as community volunteers, acknowledging their contributions to civic life and national progress.
The weeklong observance will conclude on Saturday, April 26, with a nationwide cleanup and environmental awareness campaign. Dubbed a “service of development,” this final event will highlight youth leadership in promoting environmental responsibility and community engagement.
Participation in the program is open to young people through an online application platform, ensuring inclusivity and access. YDA also works closely with local youth organizations and health facilities to expand its reach across the country.
“This isn’t a one-time initiative,” Gboluma stressed. “We continue working year-round. We recently conducted training on gender monitoring, and we’re currently preparing to support young farmers in Bomi County through agribusiness and digital technology programs.”
Under the theme “Empowering Young People Through Learning and Volunteering,” this year’s GYSD initiative reflects YDA’s broader mission: building a resilient, youth-driven development framework in Liberia and beyond.
Gboluma concluded by expressing gratitude to SOS International for their long standing support, emphasizing the importance of seeing youth not merely as participants, but as partners in achieving national goals.
The week will wrap up on Saturday with the Minister of Youth and Sports expected to officially certify the participants, marking the end of a transformative journey for Liberia’s next generation of changemakers.
