Thirty dynamic young leaders from across Liberia have reconvened in Gbarnga for the second phase of the transformative Democracy School, organized by the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy (NIMD) in partnership with Naymote – Partners for Democratic Development.
The Democracy School is part of the Liberia Electoral Support Project, a UNDP-led initiative implemented with UN Women and NIMD, and supported by the European Union, Irish Aid, and the Embassy of Sweden
Running from 16 to 20 June 2025, the week-long program marks a continuation of efforts to strengthen inclusive, participatory governance in Liberia.
Launched earlier this year, the Democracy School welcomed student leaders from seven universities: Starz University, Bluecrest University, the University of Liberia, AME University, AME Zion University, and Stella Maris Polytechnic and four political parties: All Liberian Party, Coalition for Democratic Change, National Democracy Coalition and the Unity Party, during its first phase in February. Since then, participants have returned to their communities, igniting real change through advocacy, leadership, and civic engagement.
One participant, Printiss Domah, credited the training with empowering him to lead a bold campaign in Nimba County, urging ArcelorMittal Liberia to fulfill its corporate social responsibility. “The training made it possible to fearlessly lead,” he declared.
Others echoed similar sentiments. “I came as an advocate and a student leader but left as a changemaker,” said Jamesetta Pinky Gibson, reflecting on the life-changing impact of Phase One.
Another participant, Margaret Wright described it as “a phase of growth, a turning point, and a learning curve,” adding, “You make change not from your words but from your actions.”
Cllr. Darren Domah, Program Manager of NIMD, expressed strong confidence in the leadership potential of the Democracy School participants.
Speaking during the opening session, he urged the young leaders to embody the principles of accountable and transformative leadership in their daily lives.
“We are not just training future leaders. We are shaping the kind of leadership Liberia needs today. Start leading now, in your communities, your schools, and your circles. Leadership is not about position, it’s about purpose, vision, and action”, he emphasized.
With 29 new democracy ambassadors already active in six universities in Monrovia, this second phase builds upon this momentum through a robust curriculum.
Participants are diving into themes such as constitutionalism and rule of law, disinformation awareness, local governance, conflict resolution, campaign financing, and more.
Expert-led discussions, hands-on workshops, and interactive sessions will further equip them to drive democratic progress in their communities.
On Monday, Attorney Alpha Daffae Senkpeni, Executive Director of Local Voices Liberia, delivered two insightful presentations on the module entitled “Digital Democracy and Politics: Combating Misinformation and Disinformation.”
His sessions focused on raising awareness about the dangers of false information and equipping participants with tools to navigate the digital information space responsibly.
The UNDP Liberia Electoral Support Project (LESP) is co-funded by the European Union, Irish Aid, the Embassy of Sweden, and UNDP. Its goal is to support national institutions and processes that promote a more inclusive and accountable democracy in Liberia.
The project is managed and coordinated by UNDP in partnership with UN Women and the Netherlands Institute for Multi-Party Democracy (NIMD).
