MONROVIA – Forty young leaders completed a 24-week Democracy Impact Fellowship Program organized by Naymote Partners for Democratic Development in collaboration with the Public Affairs Section of the United States Embassy in Monrovia.
At the closing ceremony, Catherine Rodriguez, Deputy Chief of Mission spoke to the graduates and she expressed appreciation for the fellowship, the collaboration, and acknowledged the role of Naymote in advancing Liberia’s democracy and contribution to the 2023 elections. She said, the United States is proud to sponsor the fellowship program and looks forward to witnessing the impact that the fellows will have in your communities and beyond. She said, young people are the future of Liberia. “You are the generation that is going to take this country to the next level”. “It is your chance to really show the world what Liberia has”. She received a lot of praise from the graduates for her noble motivation.
She reminded the graduates that the United States Ambassador has said this multiple times in speeches, Liberia is a fertile and beautiful country. It is a shame that the world does not know Liberia for its positives and is only focused on the negatives of Liberia’s past. I hope that within my lifetime, I will see a prosperous and resilient and economic powerhouse in Liberia.
Speaking during the event, Naymote’s Executive Director expressed gratitude for the US Embassy’s cooperation and stated that Naymote hopes to continue carrying out this activity every year.
The Democracy Impact Fellowship Program stands out as a powerful initiative that is equipping emerging leaders with the skills, knowledge, and networks needed to drive social and political change. By bringing together a diverse group of emerging professionals, each with their unique expertise and vision, the program is contributing to the advancement of democracy and sustainable community development. The fellows themselves are already making tangible impacts, whether in politics, education, health, or social advocacy, creating a ripple effect of positive change across Liberia and beyond.
Ms. Alphia Faith Kemokai, Program Manager at Naymote, who actively led the fellowship, referred to the fellows as the 40 change-makers on their transformative journey, speaking at the event she said the number 40 symbolizes preparation, transformation and transition from one significant task to another. Adding that noble events often follow the number 40 as the Lord Jesus fasted for 40 days to prepare for His ministry on earth.
Raymond Stephens, Public Affair Officers at the US Embassy, civil society members, and others graced the ceremony with color. The chances for learning, networking, information sharing, and professional development were valued by the fellows.
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