Africa-Press – Liberia. Thirty emerging 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 collaboration with Naymote – Partners for Democratic Development.
The initiative is part of the Liberia Electoral Support Project (LESP), a UNDP-led program implemented in partnership with UN Women and NIMD, and supported by the European Union, Irish Aid, and the Embassy of Sweden.
Running from June 16 to 20, 2025, the week-long training builds on the foundation laid earlier this year during the first phase held in February. That phase brought together student leaders from seven universities—Starz University, BlueCrest University, the University of Liberia, AME University, AME Zion University, and Stella Maris Polytechnic—as well as representatives from four political parties: the All Liberian Party, Coalition for Democratic Change, National Democratic Coalition, and Unity Party.
Since then, participants have returned to their communities to spark real change through advocacy, civic engagement, and leadership.
Printiss Domah, a participant from Nimba County, credited the training with giving him the confidence to lead a bold advocacy campaign calling on ArcelorMittal Liberia to fulfill its corporate social responsibilities.
“The training made it possible to fearlessly lead,” he said.
Others echoed similar experiences.
“I came as an advocate and student leader but left as a changemaker,” said Jamesetta Pinky Gibson, while another participant, Margaret Wright, described the experience as “a phase of growth, a turning point, and a learning curve.”
“You make change not from your words but from your actions,” she added.
Cllr. Darren Domah, Program Manager at NIMD, expressed strong confidence in the leadership potential of the participants. Speaking at the opening session, he encouraged them to embody the principles of accountable and transformative leadership.
“We are not just training future leaders; we are shaping the kind of leadership Liberia needs today,” he said.
“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 School ambassadors already active across six universities in Monrovia, this second phase builds on that momentum with an intensive curriculum covering key topics such as constitutionalism and the rule of law, disinformation awareness, local governance, conflict resolution, and campaign financing.
Participants are engaged in expert-led discussions, practical workshops, and interactive sessions aimed at equipping them to be drivers of democratic reform in their respective communities.
On Monday, Attorney Alpha Daffae Senkpeni, Executive Director of Local Voices Liberia, delivered two insightful presentations under the module “Digital Democracy and Politics: Combating Misinformation and Disinformation.” His sessions focused on the dangers of false information and provided tools to help participants navigate the digital landscape responsibly.
The Liberia Electoral Support Project is jointly funded by the European Union, Irish Aid, the Embassy of Sweden, and UNDP. It aims to strengthen national institutions and processes that promote inclusive, transparent, and accountable democracy in Liberia.
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