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The Youth Development Agency (YDA), with funding from the Government of Liberia through the Ministry of Youth and Sports (MYS), is set to officially launch the ground-breaking “Bounce Back Better” initiative on Friday, January 24, 2025, in Margibi County.
The pilot program aims to provide essential support to over 600 at-risk youth, focusing on mental and behavioral health awareness, psychological support, and practical skills training.
Speaking at the YDA headquarters in Paynesville, Robert K. Gboluma, Jr., the Executive Director of YDA, expressed his deep appreciation to the Ministry of Youth and Sports under the leadership of J. Cole Bangalu for its continued support. Gboluma stressed that the initiative is a clear reflection of the government’s strong commitment to addressing youth unemployment, substance abuse, and the pressing issue of social reintegration.
“This initiative is a testament to the Government of Liberia’s dedication to tackling the pressing issues faced by our youth,” Gboluma stated. “Many young people in urban slums and rural communities are at risk of falling into destructive cycles of crime, violence, and addiction. The ‘Bounce Back Better’ program is a timely and strategic response to provide psychosocial support and life skills development to these vulnerable groups.”
The “Bounce Back Better” initiative is designed to equip at-risk youth with the necessary tools, knowledge, and support to make informed life decisions, contribute positively to society, and unlock their full potential. Gboluma explained that the program will take an innovative approach by incorporating modern technology such as a mobile app called “Safe Space,” which will act as an interactive platform for learning, referrals, and counseling services.
“The Safe Space app will revolutionize the way we reach young people,” Gboluma said. “It will serve as an easily accessible channel for educational resources, counseling, and referral pathways to professional service centers. This platform will help guide youth through their personal challenges and provide valuable life skills.”
In addition to the app, the initiative will include a broad awareness campaign aimed at educating young people about the dangers of substance abuse and risky behaviors. These campaigns will be rolled out in schools, community centers, and youth meeting spaces across Margibi and Bomi Counties.
To further strengthen the impact of the program, the “Bounce Back Better” initiative will offer non-clinical counseling services, including peer support groups and access to professional mental health counselors. “Our goal is to create safe spaces where young people can openly discuss their emotional and psychological struggles and receive the support they need,” Gboluma added.
The program will also provide practical skills training in key areas such as entrepreneurship, career development, job-seeking strategies, and gig economy marketing. These skills will be essential for empowering youth to escape the cycles of poverty and unemployment that many face.
“We are targeting 600 at-risk youth, particularly those who have been affected by poverty, unemployment, and conflict,” Gboluma said. “Through this initiative, we aim to reduce youth involvement in criminal activities, improve mental health outcomes, and create increased access to job opportunities.”
Gboluma highlighted that the program is more than just a support mechanism; it is an opportunity for youth to turn their lives around. “Our ultimate goal is to give these young people a second chance at life,” he stated. “We want to help them overcome their past mistakes, acquire new skills, and ultimately become productive members of society. This initiative is about restoring hope and dignity to Liberia’s most vulnerable youth.”
The “Bounce Back Better” initiative will be implemented in close collaboration with local community leaders, youth organizations, and mental health experts. The official launch event is expected to be attended by high-profile guests, including officials from the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Ministry of Health, Drug Enforcement Agency, Ministry of Gender and Children Protection, local county officials, and youth organizations.
J. Cole Bangalu, Minister of Youth and Sports, emphasized the importance of this collaborative approach, noting that the future of Liberia depends on the empowerment of its youth.
“The future of Liberia lies in the hands of our young people,” Bangalu said. “We cannot afford to lose an entire generation to hopelessness and despair. This initiative reflects our commitment to providing every young Liberian with the opportunity to bounce back and build a better life for themselves and their families.”
Gboluma concluded by underscoring the long-term vision of the program. “This initiative is not just about offering immediate support—it’s about creating a sustainable pathway to success for our youth. By providing access to education, mental health support, and career development, we are ensuring that these young people have the tools they need to overcome adversity and make meaningful contributions to their communities and the nation.”
The “Bounce Back Better” initiative represents a significant step forward in addressing the critical challenges facing Liberia’s youth. Gboluma’s final words were a testament to the transformative power of the initiative: “This is a beacon of hope, showing that with the right support, every young Liberian has the potential to bounce back and create a brighter future for themselves and our country.”
