12/24/2025
65 percent of Liberians aged 18-35 trapped in severe employment opportunities, growing challenge of teenage pregnancy- NIMD says it deepen economic hardship for families
Report by: Solomon Cooper/ B**g County Correspondent
A recent engagement by the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy (NIMD) in Liberia has identified three key pressing issues affecting 65 percent of Liberians aged 18 to 35
In a one day Consultative Constituency Consultation in Gbarnga, NIMD's country representative Cllr. Oscar Bloh said the engagement revealed the lack of access to technical and vocational education (TVET), employment opportunities, and the growing challenge of teenage pregnancy among 65 percent of Liberians aged 18 to 35.
He said, many young Liberians view skills training as a pathway out of poverty; however, worsening economic conditions mean that most cannot afford TVET fees, while teenage pregnancy continues to force vulnerable girls out of school, deepening economic hardship for families.
The Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy's representative noted that these barriers contribute significantly to the country’s growing social crisis and could impede economic growth for the next generation.
He called on both policymakers and development partners to move beyond rhetoric and deliver concrete support for vulnerable youth, especially girls.
Cllr. Bloh maintained that Liberia risks a future marked by poverty, insecurity, and declining public trust if policymakers fail to implement urgent reforms.
The latest revelation adds to another alarming UNICEF 2023 survey, which estimated that approximately 360,000 children in Liberia were living on the streets, many of whom are considered at-risk youth.
However, civil society stakeholders and Human Rights defenders described the report as emerging challenges to social protection calling for urgent attention from President Boakai.
The One day Consultative Constituency Consultation was National Coordinator of the Legislative Monitoring Coalition and supported by several key partners including Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy (NIMD), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and co-funded by the European Union.
The opening session brought together policy makers, local government authorities, civil society stakeholders, and student representatives.
At the gathering, the National Coordinator of the Legislative Monitoring Coalition Mr. Joseph Cheayan said the project aims to track legislative performance, enhance public participation in decision-making, and promote transparency and accountability within the Legislature.
He highlighted persistent misconceptions about the role of lawmakers, noting that many citizens hold expectations that fall outside the legislative mandate.
“Many of us think lawmakers are supposed to be paying school fees, paying clinic bills, or giving us zinc for our houses,” he said. “But lawmakers are elected to represent your interests, make laws, and provide oversight of the Executive branch. That is what strengthens democracy.”
He stressed that since 2005, a lack of clear understanding of lawmakers’ responsibilities has contributed to unrealistic demands and overcrowding in legislative offices, which he described as unhealthy for Liberia’s democratic process.
“Bringing lawmakers to you is an opportunity for citizens to constructively engage them on their three key functions—representation, lawmaking, and oversight,” he added.
