country programs
News from Liberia in 2004-2005
Year 2005 in Review
Youth
Crime Watch of Liberia has made great strides towards establishing
meaningful partnerships. Since their official launch on January
28, 2005, twelve school sites have started up, they have undertaken
several challenging action projects, and they have begun working
with state agencies related to crime and youth.
Read selections from Liberia's annual report.
April 2005: Two from Liberia receive International Extra Mile Awards from Youth Crime Watch of America
The International Extra Mile Award recognizes the hard work done by dedicated individuals to establish Youth Crime Watch programs in international settings. We recognize these individuals for accepting the challenge and "going the extra mile" in adapting the crime watch philosophy to local conditions. To them and all their brothers and sisters, Thank You!
Ernest M. Vafee
Zuo Taylor
We are pleased to recognize from Youth Crime Watch of Liberia
Executive Director Ernest M. Vafee and Deputy Director/ Founder
Zuo Taylor as recipients of the 2005 International Extra Mile Award.
Because, of the leadership, dedication, and perseverance of these
two gentlemen, Youth Crime Watch of Liberia was officially launched
in January of this year and plans to implement at seven school
sites. Their efforts have resulted in collaboration with the United
Nations Mission in Liberia and the backing of the Liberian National
Police. Ernest and Zuo's determination to create a safer community
for the youth of Liberia is evident as YCW Liberia continues to
expand. Congratulations, Ernest Vafee and Zuo Taylor, on all that
you have done for the Liberian youth.
See other winners.
January 28, 2005: YCW of Liberia's Official Launch!
Youth from YCWL pose with Ghanaian Ambassador
H.E. Kwame Amoa Awua (center)
Click for more photos.
The following is a report from the YCWL
The Youth Crime Watch of Liberia was officially launched on friday 28th of January, 2005 on the main campus of the University of Liberia with youth from all facet of the Liberian society attending.
The launching program was graced by the presence of the Ghanain Ambassador to Liberia H.E. Kwame Amoa Awua who serve as Chief-Launcher; the Minister of Gender Development and Board Member of YCWL Hon. Varbah Gayflor; the Honourable Commissioner of the Good Governance & Reform Commission Alphonso Nimene; the Liberia Natinal Police Deputy Director for Public Affairs and Director of Community Services respectively; Also attending the launching was Mr. Samuel Kwesi Ofori who is serving with UNMIL and consultant to YCWL.
In launching the Youth Crime Watch of Liberia, the Ghanaian diplomat who is also a member of the International Contact Group on Liberia challenged the YCWL to work assiduosly in creating a society based on peace, justice and love and cautioned them to adequately sensitize the youth community to be mindful of politicians who are bent on exploiting youth to achieve their selfish political agenda. He reminded young people to stay away from violence and to beat their "Swords into plougshares".
Serving as Keynote Speaker at the program, a member of the Good Governance and Reform Commission Hon. Alphonso Nimene admonished the YCWL not to relent in helping to curb the alarming increase in criminal activities in the country. He emphasized the need for the YCWL to reach every young person so as to serve as a recruitment ground for future Liberian Police personnel.
During the program, the Assistant Director of Police for Public Affairs Mr. Peter Zayzay promised the Liberia National Police collaboration and cooperation with the YCWL.
As part of the public awareness campaign, the Executive Director Mr. Ernest M. Vafee and Mr. Samuel Kwesi Ofori held a talk show at a local Catholic station (Radio Veritas) to discuss the concept & philosophy of the YCWL.
In continuation of the YCWL public awareness campaign, the United Nations Radio in Liberia (UNMIL Radio) hosted the Executive Director and Deputy Director Zuo Taylor on the "Dateline" live talk show to discuss the Mission, Vision, and programs of the YCWL.
In another related development, the Director of community Services of the Liberia National Police has joined the Youth Crime Watch of Liberia Executive Committee as Program Laiason Officer. Mrs. Isatu Kenneth holds a Bachelor's degree in sociology from the University of Liberia and a lot of certificates in community policing and Gender based Violence Mitigation. She is a renowned police officer with years of experience working with communities. She has travelled widely attending workshops, seminars and conferences in the U.S., Europe, & Africa.
The following schools and Communities Based Organizations attended the launching.
- Len Miller Junior & Senior High School
- St. Peter's Lutheran High
- Assemblies of God High School
- Richard M. Nixon High
- Cathedral High School
- Christian High School
- Cuttington University College
- African Methodist University
- Concerned Global Youth Services
- Young Men Christian Association of Liberia
- Liberia Youth Network
- Liberia Campaign Against Landmines and Small Arms
September 2004:
Youth Crime Watch of Liberia expects soon to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with parent program Youth Crime Watch of America. We look forward to welcoming this newest international program into our global family.
See photos from Liberia - YCWL Getting Underway (PDF 146 kB).
Highlights from YCWL's Progress Report - Sept 2004:
"...As you may be aware, this is an emerging entity in the vanguard of crime prevention in Liberia. The first of its kind in the nation's history. The challenges are many, but we hope with your support we can overcome them. Presently, we as a nation is going through a transition and a need for institutions like the Youth Crime Watch in the special transformation of our society cannot be overemphasized. As a new entity, there is a need for moral and logistical support from local, international, and well-meaning individuals who want to see our youth rise from the ashes of war."
- Vafee and Zuo
YCWL has been meeting with the United Nations Mission in Liberia/Civilian Police Force (UNIMIL/CIVPOL), Liberia National Police Public Affairs Department and the Ministry of Education to draw up a plan of action as the start of the school year approaches. YCWL plans to deliver brochures, posters and flyers to targeted schools as part of a public awareness campaign that will also include a radio component. YCWL is negotiating with a local radio station (Radio Veritas) and UNMIL Radio to host a talk show. Guests would include Mr. Sam Kwesi Ofori from Youth Crime Watch of Ghana (who is on a UN Mission in Liberia). Ofori has been very instrumental in linking YCWL to the UNMIL/CIVPOL.
As a way of strengthening the program, YCWL has constituted its Board of Advisors to include representatives of a broad base of private and governmental agencies:
- The Ministry of Education
- The Ministry of Justice
- The Ministry of Youth and Sports
- The Ministry of Gender and Development
- The Center for Criminal Justic Research and Education
- The Press Union of Liberia
- The Family Planning Association of Liberia
- Action for Greater Harvest
- The Liberia National Police Service
- The University of Liberia
- Youth Crime Watch of America
- and consulting and legal firms
Positioning itself as a lead youth entity in crime prevention in Liberia, YWCL has developed an institutional and human resource capacity building proposal outlining the background and rationale for establishing the YCWL in Liberia. This proposal has since been forwarded to local NGOs and donors for consideration and funding.
A legally registered nonprofit under Liberian law, YCWL has already begun making a difference. A YCWL volunteer made an anonymous report leading the UNMIL/CIVPOL, and the Liberia National Police CID unit to arrest four people last month with $750,000 in counterfeit U.S. currency (the US dollar is legal tender in Liberia). YCWL has also undertaken a campaign to educate the public about "419" fraud. Many citizens have been victimized by this Internet fraud, where the perpetrators solicit hotel and conference registrations for bogus conferences.
YCWL will officially launch as soon as local arrangements are finalized.
Sept 2004:
Youth Crime Watch of Liberia launches at a time when Liberia is going through a transitional period. The United Nations Mission in Liberia Civilian Police (UNIMIL/CIVPOL) is training a new police force. To infuse the YCW concept and philosophy in the emerging police force, YCWL is collaborating with UNMIL/CIVPOL, the Liberia National Police Interim Administration and other law enforcement agencies. Additionally, as a youth-led and youth-centered movement, YCWL works with the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Youth and Sports to nurture broad-based youth involvement and participation in the program.
