YMCA Liberia Concludes Youth Peace and Security Training for Peace Clubs and Youth Leaders

The YMCA of Liberia has concluded a five-day Youth Peace and Security (YPS) Training for Peace Clubs and Youth Leaders under its Civil Peace Service (CPS) Program, with 51 participants completing the training. The initiative, titled Youth Peace and Security Training for Youth and Peace Club Leaders, was organized to strengthen youth capacity in promoting peace and security within their communities.

The training is expected to improve participants’ knowledge and understanding of Youth, Peace, and Security while strengthening their ability to effectively transfer acquired knowledge and skills to their peers and communities. It also aims to promote peer-to-peer learning and knowledge-sharing across program locations, contributing to sustained engagement and continuity of learning.

In line with YMCA Liberia’s commitment to sustainability, the initiative provided structured capacity-building opportunities for Peace Clubs and Youth Leaders to strengthen their ability to share knowledge with club members and peers across project communities. The approach seeks to establish a sustainable system of learning and knowledge exchange that promotes long-term impact and continuity.

The first phase of the training focused on Youth, Peace, and Security using the Africa Alliance of YMCAs (AAYMCA) Youth Peace and Security (YPS) Playbook. Participants were drawn from YMCA CPS Peace Clubs in schools across project locations, along with leaders from Local Youth Councils in Bong, Margibi, and Nimba Counties.

The training was designed to strengthen the capacity of Peace Clubs and Youth Leaders to effectively disseminate Youth, Peace, and Security knowledge among their peers and communities. It also equipped participants with practical skills in peacebuilding, conflict prevention, and community engagement through the application of the AAYMCA YPS Playbook.

Additionally, the initiative sought to encourage meaningful youth participation in peace and security decision-making processes at community and local levels. It also focused on strengthening youth leadership and advocacy skills to address major drivers of conflict, including inequality, unemployment, and social exclusion.

As an outcome of the training, participants are expected to demonstrate improved knowledge and stronger capacities to promote Youth, Peace, and Security concepts within their communities. They are also expected to apply practical peacebuilding and conflict prevention skills to support peaceful coexistence and strengthen community engagement efforts.

The training is further expected to increase youth participation in peace and security processes while strengthening leadership and advocacy capacities among young people, contributing to more inclusive, resilient, and peaceful communities.