Thirty dynamic young leaders from across Liberia have reconvened in Gbarnga for Phase Two 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 in collaboration 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 builds on earlier 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, University of Liberia, AME University, AME Zion University, and Stella Maris Polytechnic—as well as representatives from four political parties which include the All-Liberian Party, Coalition for Democratic Change, National Democratic Coalition, and the Unity Party.
Following Phase One in February, participants returned to their communities to spark real change through advocacy, civic engagement, and public leadership.
One participant, Printiss Domah, credited the training with empowering him to launch a bold civic campaign in Nimba County, pressing ArcelorMittal Liberia to uphold its corporate social responsibilities.
“The training made it possible to fearlessly lead,” he declared. Others shared similarly powerful reflections. “I came as an advocate and a student leader but left as a changemaker,” said Jamesetta Pinky Gibson.
Participant Margaret Wright described the experience 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, opened the second phase by expressing strong confidence in the participants’ leadership potential.
“We are not just training future leaders. We are shaping the kind of leadership Liberia needs today,” he told the cohort. “Start leading now—in your communities, your schools, and your circles. Leadership is not about position, it’s about purpose, vision, and action.”
With 29 democracy ambassadors already active across six Monrovia-based universities, this new phase expands their momentum through a rich and rigorous curriculum.
The young students are exploring core themes including constitutionalism and the rule of law, local governance, disinformation, conflict resolution, and campaign financing.
Hands-on training, interactive sessions, and expert-led discussions are equipping these young changemakers with the tools needed to champion democratic values across Liberia.
On Monday, Attorney Alpha Daffae Senkpeni, Executive Director of Local Voices Liberia, led two thought-provoking sessions on the module “Digital Democracy and Politics: Combating Misinformation and Disinformation.”
His presentations focused on the impact of false information and practical strategies for navigating digital spaces responsibly.
The UNDP Liberia Electoral Support Project (LESP)—co-funded by the European Union, Irish Aid, the Embassy of Sweden, and UNDP—aims to support inclusive, accountable democracy through national institutions and civic participation.
The project is managed and coordinated by UNDP in partnership with UN Women and NIMD.