MONROVIA – The West African Youth Development Agency (AWYDA) has honored and conferred upon former Vice President Chief Dr. Jewel Howard Taylor the “2024 Youth Passion Award” for her unwavering support in youth development.
By Sherman Dioh, Contributor
The award was presented to Madam Taylor on Monday, August 12, by the President of AWYDA, Amb. Delvin Aaron Mentee, during a program marking the celebration of International Youth Day at the Sinkor Palace.
In presenting the award, Amb. Mentee recounted the significant contributions of the former Liberian Vice President, highlighting her dedication over the years to the development of several youths in Liberia and across Africa. He noted that Madam Taylor’s contributions to youth development are evident through her involvement in various youth programs, including the awarding of scholarships both locally and internationally.
Amb. Mentee further mentioned that this year’s International Youth Day, celebrated by AWYDA and its partners under the theme “From Clicks to Progress,” was designed to challenge youths in Liberia and other parts of Africa to make maximum use of technology by actively engaging in the digital transition.
The AWYDA President emphasized that Madam Taylor has consistently demonstrated her commitment to youth empowerment and development in Liberia, which he described as a major factor that should never be forgotten. According to him, the 2024 Youth Passion Award presented to the former Vice President is a testament to her unwavering support and commitment to the growth of the youth community.
Mentee also noted that the NPP Political Leader and Liberia’s first female Vice President has shown a passion for youth development and humanity that should be celebrated by every Liberian. He explained that Dr. Taylor has used the various offices she has held to effect meaningful changes in Liberian society, particularly in building the capacity of the youth.
The AWYDA President also called on the Liberian government to make significant investments in Youth Digital Pathways, describing it as essential for broader capacity building and job creation for the youthful population. He asserted that through the maximum use of digital transition, Liberia stands to gain substantial investment and create an enabling environment for youth digital development, which could lead to sustained opportunities for the country’s youth.
Amb. Mentee pointed out that the global landscape is characterized by digital transition, which has led to rapid changes in reshaping societies and daily lives—something he said Liberia must become a part of. He added that digital transition and youth digital development can only be realized in Liberia when the national government views them as crucial components of national development and job creation.
He also acknowledged that digital transition is vital in sustainable development efforts, helping individuals navigate technological advancements, alongside demographic and climate changes.
In receiving the award, former Vice President Jewel Howard Taylor expressed her gratitude to the West African Youth Development Agency and its partners for recognizing her contributions to youth development and conferring upon her the 2024 Youth Passion Award. She remarked that the award signifies that no effort goes unnoticed and added that it has placed a deeper challenge on her to make an even greater impact on youth development in Liberia and other parts of the world.
According to her, youth must be adequately supported if they are to make the necessary contributions expected of them. Madam Taylor also emphasized the importance of technology, stating that once Liberia adapts to the digital transition, more citizens, particularly the youth, can explore their potential.
The former Vice President also noted that it’s time for national leaders to support youth development through programs that will positively impact the larger society. Meanwhile, Madam Jewel Howard Taylor has challenged Liberian youths to make maximum use of technology by equipping themselves with digital knowledge, enabling them to excel in various capacities.
Discussion about this post