By Randal Saye 
A powerful new chapter in environmental stewardship and youth leadership has begun along the Atlantic coastline of Liberia as Banjor Community in Virginia Township, Montserrado County becomes the site of a landmark beach clean-up initiative that is already transforming lives and inspiring a new generation of environmentally conscious young Liberians.
On May 22 the Liberia National Red Cross Society together with UNICEF and the National Water Sanitation and Hygiene Commission officially launched a two month beach clean-up pilot project under the Youth Action Brigades initiative in Banjor Community marking a historic moment in Liberia’s ongoing fight for environmental sustainability and community resilience.
Banjor Community is home to thousands of residents whose daily lives are deeply connected to the sea fishing and community trade. Like many coastal communities across Liberia Banjor has faced serious environmental challenges over the years including waste disposal problems flooding and poor sanitation conditions that have threatened the health and wellbeing of its residents.
But today hope is rising through the combined power of youth action community partnership and international support as this groundbreaking initiative brings together some of the most respected organizations in Liberia and the world to tackle these challenges head on.
The Youth Action Brigades initiative is designed to promote environmental sustainability strengthen community resilience and most importantly empower young people to take genuine leadership roles in protecting and preserving their environment for future generations. The project focuses on youth led sanitation activities including beach cleaning campaigns public awareness drives and deep community engagement that goes far beyond a simple once off cleanup exercise.
JEAN MCCLUSKEY UNICEF WASH Specialist emphasized the long term vision behind the initiative saying that clean communities create healthier lives and that the goal is for residents to take true ownership of their environment and continue these activities well beyond the two month project period. She noted that keeping the community clean every day will help reduce flooding and significantly improve sanitation conditions for all residents.
The Liberia National Red Cross Society has played a central and indispensable role in making this initiative a reality mobilizing dedicated volunteers and providing the organizational support needed to coordinate activities across the community. MARIATTA DOE Disaster Management Assistant at the Red Cross reaffirmed the organization’s commitment saying the Red Cross remains dedicated to working with communities and young people to improve sanitation and strengthen resilience across Liberia.
The National Water Sanitation and Hygiene Commission has also thrown its full weight behind the initiative with MOHAMMED KAMARA Acting Director for Compliance and Regulations urging residents and Youth Action Brigade members to remain committed to this important cause. He confirmed that the WASH Commission will continue to provide support for efforts that improve sanitation and community wellbeing long after the pilot project concludes.
But perhaps the most inspiring voices at the launch were those of the young people themselves whose passion dedication and determination to make a difference in their community moved all those in attendance.
DORIS A. NTSIAKO a proud member of the Youth Action Brigades spoke with conviction saying the young people of Banjor are ready to keep their community clean and work together for a healthier environment. Her words captured the spirit of an entire generation that refuses to accept the status quo and is choosing instead to be the change they wish to see in their community.
DESTINY F. TAMBA another Youth Action Brigade member announced that the young volunteers will continue informing community residents about the importance of keeping the environment clean while carrying out cleaning activities every first Saturday of the month — a commitment that transforms a project into a permanent community tradition.
The broader community of Banjor has embraced this initiative with open arms and genuine gratitude. DELINO BRYANT Banjor Community Chairman expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Government of Liberia the Liberia National Red Cross Society UNICEF and the WASH Commission for bringing this transformative project to Banjor. He noted that the initiative will help improve sanitation and encourage residents to take personal responsibility for the environment they share.
As the sun sets over a cleaner Banjor Beach and children play freely along the coastline the message from this community is clear and powerful. Through partnership compassion and youth leadership positive change is not just possible — it is already happening right here in Liberia.The success of this initiative serves as a blueprint for communities across Liberia showing that when government international organizations and local people especially young people work together the results can be truly transformative.
The two month pilot project is supported by UNICEF the Liberia National Red Cross Society and the National Water Sanitation and Hygiene Commission. Residents of Banjor and all Liberians are encouraged to support the Youth Action Brigades and join the movement to keep Liberia’s communities clean healthy and beautiful for generations to come.
Keeping Banjor clean is everyone’s responsibility. And thanks to the remarkable young people of the Youth Action Brigades that responsibility is in very good hands.
Great work