The Office for the Establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court for Liberia (OWECC-L), with the support of UNICEF Liberia, has officially launched the Grade School Ambassadorial and Internship Summit Magazine, marking a significant milestone in promoting child participation, civic education, and youth leadership in the fight against corruption and the promotion of accountability. The publication documents the achievements, experiences, and voices of more than 300 children and young people who participated in the initiative across Montserrado and Margibi Counties.
The Grade School Ambassadorial and Internship Program equipped over 300 children and youth with knowledge and practical skills on corruption, accountability, integrity, and civic responsibility. The initiative sought to empower young Liberians to become ambassadors for transparency within their schools and communities while encouraging meaningful participation in national development. During the magazine launch, participants proudly shared personal testimonies on how the program had transformed their understanding of accountability, justice, and responsible citizenship.
Providing an overview of the initiative, Attorney Vivian D. Neal, Associate Director for Gender and Youth at OWECC-L, highlighted the importance of the UNICEF-supported Ambassadorial Program in nurturing a generation of informed and responsible young leaders. She noted that the program reflects OWECC-L's commitment to engaging children and youth as key stakeholders in building a culture of accountability and ensuring that future generations actively contribute to strengthening governance and justice in Liberia.
Speaking at the ceremony, Helen Nyangoya, Chief of Child Protection at UNICEF Liberia, applauded OWECC-L for successfully implementing the program and creating a platform that amplifies children's voices. She emphasized UNICEF's commitment to advancing the rights and wellbeing of children across Liberia, reaffirming the organization's readiness to strengthen its collaboration with OWECC-L on future child-centered initiatives. She described the partnership as an important investment in raising a generation of ethical and responsible leaders.
Also addressing at the magazine, Deputy Minister for Children and Social Protection, Garmai S. Tokpah, commended OWECC-L for directly engaging children in conversations that affect their lives. She stressed that policies and decisions concerning children can only produce meaningful outcomes when children themselves are given the opportunity to participate. According to the Deputy Minister, the Ambassadorial Program serves as an excellent example of inclusive engagement that empowers young people to become active contributors to national development.
Delivering a special statement, OWECC-L Executive Director, Dr. Cllr. Jallah A. Barbu, praised the participating children for embracing the opportunity to become impactful leaders and agents of change. He encouraged them to remain determined despite the challenges young people often face in accessing leadership spaces. "Your future is not in the hands of anybody; it is in your hands. Therefore, take charge," Dr. Barbu urged. He further noted that Liberia's Children Law of 2011 provides a strong legal framework for protecting children's rights, while emphasizing the need to continually review and strengthen the law to address emerging issues affecting children. Dr. Barbu disclosed that he had contributed to efforts aimed at revising the legislation to better respond to present-day realities.
The event concluded with inspiring presentations and testimonies from the young ambassadors, who showcased the knowledge and leadership skills they acquired throughout the program. The launch brought together representatives from the Ministry of Justice, the Liberia National Children Representative Forum, government institutions, development partners, civil society organizations, educators, parents, and students. OWECC-L reaffirmed its commitment to working alongside UNICEF Liberia and other partners to expand opportunities that empower children and young people to champion integrity, accountability, and justice, while contributing meaningfully to Liberia's democratic and social development.
