In a political landscape where young people are often mobilized for elections but sidelined in decision-making, a new initiative is seeking to fundamentally redefine their role. The Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy (NIMD) has launched its Democracy School for Youth Wings of Political Parties--an ambitious effort aimed at transforming young people from political spectators into architects of democratic change.
The inaugural phase of the program, held in Gbarnga from March 23, 2026, brought together 24 youth leaders drawn from over a dozen political parties for an intensive week-long training focused on leadership, governance, and policy engagement.
At its core, the Democracy School challenges a long-standing pattern in Liberian politics--where youth wings serve largely as mobilization tools during elections, rather than as contributors to policy and institutional development.
According to Oscar Bloh, the initiative is deliberately designed to disrupt that model.
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"This is not about replicating the politics you see today," Bloh emphasized. "It is about transforming how young people think about leadership--grounded in ethics, inclusion, and accountability."
His remarks underscore a broader shift in democratic programming--from short-term political engagement to long-term leadership development.
The training curriculum reflected sessions ranging from constitutional democracy and social contract, civic engagement and ethical leadership, youth, gender and political inclusion and digital politics and modern campaigning.
Through interactive learning, peer exchange, and expert facilitation, the program sought to equip participants with both theoretical grounding and practical tools.
Luther Jeke, a facilitator on leadership, ethics, and civic engagement, said the challenge goes beyond knowledge acquisition to mindset transformation. "Move beyond tokenism and step into meaningful participation. Don't just sit in the room--shape the decisions being made," Jeke said.
Liberia's democracy, while resilient, continues to grapple with structural challenges--weak political institutions, personality-driven politics, and limited internal party democracy.
By targeting youth wings, the Democracy School is intervening at a critical pressure point.
Youth constitute the majority of Liberia's population, yet remain underrepresented in leadership structures. Without deliberate investment, analysts warn that this disconnects risks perpetuating cycles of political exclusion and instability.
Eddie Jarwolo, a prominent governance advocate, who also served as a facilitator, framed the issue in stark terms, "If you don't organize, you will continue to be used. Your role is to shape party policies and promote institutions over individuals."
His call reflects a growing concern that youth political engagement in Liberia has too often been transactional rather than transformative.
A key takeaway from the Gbarnga training is the push for youth to develop structured, issue-based agendas within their political parties.
Participants were encouraged to think beyond campaign cycles and instead articulate long-term visions for national development.
Czar Paly, a participant from the Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction, noted thatthe experience marked a turning point.
"This training has reshaped my political understanding. I am committed to introducing progressive mechanisms within my party rooted in inclusiveness, patriotism, and service above self."
Similarly, Angeline Laomie, another participant, highlighted the importance of grassroots action. "Real change begins with us--in our homes, communities, and daily engagements. We don't have to wait for elected positions to make an impact."
One of the most significant features of the Democracy School is its cross-party composition. By bringing together youth from diverse political backgrounds, the initiative promotes dialogue and collaboration in a traditionally polarized environment.
Samuel Tamba from the National Democratic Coalition (NDC), noted the importance of this approach.
"Young leaders are essential for the continuity of democratic institutions. Our involvement drives policy change and strengthens the system."
Participants concluded the training with commitments to foster both intra-party and inter-party dialogue--an important step toward reducing political tensions and building consensus-driven governance.
Beyond Training: A Pipeline for Reform
The Democracy School is not a one-off event but part of a broader support framework under the Liberia Electoral Support Project, implemented by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in partnership with UN Women, NIMD, and backed by the European Union, Ireland, and Sweden.
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This institutional backing adds weight to the initiative, positioning it as a sustained pipeline for nurturing reform-oriented political actors.
With elections often defining political engagement, there is an urgent need to build a more participatory and policy-driven political culture.
The Democracy School represents a strategic attempt to strengthen internal party democracy, promote issue-based politics, enhance accountability and ethical leadership, and prepare the next generation of national leaders.
In his closing remarks, Bloh captured the essence of the initiative, "The issues that confront you cut across party lines. You must rise above them and lead together.
While the immediate impact of the training may not be visible, its long-term implications could be profound.
If sustained, the Democracy School could help shift Liberia's political culture from personality-driven contestation to institution-based governance--anchored by a new generation of informed, ethical, and collaborative leaders.
