Judul : Nimd and Partners Launch Legislative Initiative in Mont. District #9
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Nimd and Partners Launch Legislative Initiative in Mont. District #9
A lively and productive discussion took place in Montserrado County's Electoral District #9 on Wednesday, November 12, when the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy (NIMD) and its partners organized a Legislative Constituency Engagement involving residents and their representative, Representative Frank Saah Foko.
The event, supported financially by the European Union, Irish Aid, and the Swedish Embassy as part of the Liberia Electoral Support Project Plus (LESP+), sought to connect legislators with their voters via engaging, policy-focused discussions.
The gathering, which took place at the Don Bosco Youth Center in New Matadi, united young individuals with community leaders, civil society representatives, development allies, and media personnel—highlighting a common dedication to enhancing democratic engagement and responsibility.
Starting the session, Barwudu Johnson Williams from NIMD pointed out that the involvement corresponds to Outcome 2 of NIMD's programmatic focuses—enhancing legislative supervision and political responsibility.
This program aims to encourage meaningful discussions between legislators and the public, making sure that concerns impacting youth, women, and underrepresented communities are included in the national budget," Williams stated. "We sincerely appreciate the support from the EU, Irish Aid, the Swedish Embassy, and UNDP in fostering this democratic environment.
Oscar Bloh, the Country Director of NIMD, presented the goals of the initiative, highlighting openness, involvement, and public participation.
"We aim to establish a platform that allows legislators and their voters to talk about development goals and track legislative promises via consistent monitoring by civil society and the press," Bloh stated.
Our aspiration is that this will establish a precedent for consistent, organized discussions that not only foster trust but also enable the public to have a direct impact on legislative decisions.
Bloh mentioned that comparable initiatives are scheduled for other regions, including Grand Cape Mount, Bong, Margibi, and Nimba, as part of a larger strategy to enhance participatory governance across the country.
Representative Foko Addresses Issues Raised by Voters
When Representative Frank Saah Foko spoke, he encountered a blend of gratitude and discontent from his voters. Although recognizing advancements in certain regions, numerous residents expressed concern over the sluggish rate of infrastructure growth, few employment options, and inadequate availability of social services within District #9.
Replying, Foko presented his key areas of focus in the current national budget debates.
"We have concentrated on tackling community issues—enhancing road conditions, making sure LEC gives priority to electrical connections, and that Water and Sewer offer access to clean water," he stated.
I am also advocating for higher funding for JFK Hospital and LOIC to enhance healthcare and vocational training for young individuals and women, including those with disabilities.
Foko revealed intentions to push for increased financial support for the National Disaster Management Agency in order to better handle fire and flood situations within the region.
Youth Demand Greater Empowerment
Spokespeople for the youth, comprising approximately 70% of District #9's residents—with an average age of around 19—expressed strong support for practical empowerment initiatives.
A young community leader expressed concern over the limited access to skill development programs.
We are seeking genuine investment in technical and vocational education," she stated. "A lot of us are ready to work, yet without training facilities, we stay inactive. The government needs to focus on organizations such as LOIC and MVTC.
A young advocate highlighted that empowerment is more than just talk.
We aren't just looking for reassurance that we are the future—we require immediate access to the necessary resources," he emphasized. "This involves financial support for agricultural, construction, and entrepreneurial initiatives aimed at youth.
As per information from the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Liberia has multiple Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) centers, such as the Monrovia Vocational Training Center (MVTC), Business Domestic Occupational Training Center (BDOTC), Klay Agriculture & Vocational Training Center (KAVTC), and the Youth Agriculture Training Center (YATC). These schools offer instruction in areas like agriculture, construction, sewing, metalworking, and hotel management—but insufficient resources and financial support have restricted access for many young Liberians.
Participants called on the Ministry, along with legislators, to broaden these initiatives and distribute skill-building resources more widely.
Democracy in Action
The openness of the discussion was praised by NIMD's Bloh, who referred to it as an example of participatory democracy.
When people and legislators communicate openly, it enhances trust, responsibility, and harmony," he stated. "Democracy functions most effectively when citizens are educated and encouraged to take part.
As the collaboration came to an end, NIMD and UNDP reconfirmed their dedication to ongoing support for mechanisms that elevate public participation in governance.
For Congressman Foko, the session acted as both an evaluation and a prompt for further steps.
"We are committed to making sure that our national budget highlights the needs of our citizens—particularly the youth, who are the foundation of our nation," he promised.
The Legislative Engagement of Montserrado District #9 serves as a symbol that democracy flourishes when leaders pay attention, and people express their views. For Liberia's youthful demographic—vibrant, driven, and eager—the message was evident: inclusion needs to be accompanied by chances.
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Tagged: Liberia, Governance, West Africa
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