The Liberia National Students’ Union (LINSU) has launched its Youth Peace Building Initiative under the theme, “Digital Bridge- Enhancing Peace-building & Advocacy through Technology’, describing it as an important and historic project.
The initiative aims to equip Liberian students and youth with the knowledge, tools and digital skills needed to be agents of peace and stability in Liberia and the world.
Speaking Friday, November 15, 2024 in Monrovia, Darius Toweh, LINSU Secretary General, said the Peace Building project will highlight the building of online and offline platforms because digital platforms and social media foster dialogue between conflicting parties and help spread awareness about peace initiatives across the world- one of the many significances of technology.
According to him, in the context of qualitative education, technology also provides access to a wide range of resources and learning tools; online courses, interactive platforms like Google classroom, and other educational apps make learning more accessible and engaging in today’s world.
“Another importance of technology relative to sustainable development is that it drives economic development by fostering innovation, creating jobs for service delivery,” he said.
Toweh said through digital advocacy, LINSU will ensure that voices that might otherwise go unheard have a platform, that important messages can be amplified, and that the youth can be at the forefront of leading meaningful change in.
He said through technology, Liberian’s students can build those spaces-reaching beyond geographical boundaries, connecting different perspectives, and fostering a culture where they can understand one another better as one people.
He said LINSU looks forward to seeing young leaders rise to this challenge, equipped with new skills and perspectives that will shape the future of the institution and nation.
“We are excited to see how this initiative will unfold and we are confident that it will inspire many to advocate for peace and justice in our communities and beyond, especially as the students and young people of Liberia are poised to acquire basic knowledge and skills in peace and conflict mitigation and solution as well as learning applying and advocating for their inherent rights as students as provided for in many international instruments to include the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights, 1986 Constitution of Liberia,” he said.
The Secretary General of LINSU stated that in today’s interconnected world, technology is an invaluable tool and it breaks down borders, brings people together, and serves as a powerful means for young people to advocate for positive change and transformation they envisaged.
He said that the students’ body is acknowledging and harnessing this strength of digital platforms to bridge communities, foster understanding, and support the peace-building efforts that are essential to creating a stable and inclusive future for Liberia.
Toweh applauded the students for their enthusiasm and commitment to the cause of the students, and for believing that they can collectively build a peaceful, empowered, and digitally connected Liberia. He encouraged them to move forward together with strength and unity and achieve their envisaged dreams via collectivism.
By Prince Saah
