Bong County, Liberia — Youth Crime Watch of Liberia (YCWL), in collaboration with the HOPE Consortium, is intensifying efforts to broaden educational opportunities for women and girls through a five-day Training of Trainers (ToT) on the Second Chance Education (SCE) Programme currently underway in Bong County.
This training convenes selected participants from Liberia’s Spotlight Initiative counties to develop a network of Master Trainers and Community Ambassadors who will facilitate the implementation and community-level delivery of Second Chance Education activities.
The SCE Programme aims to provide alternative pathways to education and personal development for women and girls whose educational journeys have been disrupted or who have had limited access to formal learning. It addresses several barriers that hinder women’s and girls’ educational advancement, including poverty, early marriage, teenage pregnancy, family responsibilities, social and economic vulnerabilities, and restricted access to learning opportunities.
Building Local Capacity for Sustainable Impact
Central to the current training is the understanding that sustainable change necessitates proficient trainers who comprehend the realities of the communities they serve. Consequently, participants are being equipped with practical knowledge and facilitation skills applicable at the community level.
The training encompasses adult learning methodologies, participatory facilitation, effective communication, confidence-building, inclusive engagement, respectful dialogue, and the establishment of safe and supportive learning environments.
Upon completion of the training, Master Trainers and Community Ambassadors are expected to return to their respective counties to apply their knowledge and experience. They will engage in community mobilization, facilitate learning sessions, promote participation, and assist in connecting women and girls with educational, skills development, and other empowerment opportunities.
A Collaborative Approach to Second Chance Education
The Second Chance Education training module was developed under the Liberia Spotlight Initiative 2.0, with funding from the European Union to the Government of Liberia and partnership between UN Women, Youth Crime Watch of Liberia and the HOPE Consortium.
The module’s development involved consultations with relevant government institutions, county authorities, youth representatives, traditional and community leaders, and other stakeholders. A review of existing information and a stakeholder validation process further ensured that the module is pertinent to Liberia’s context and responsive to the needs and experiences of women and girls.
YCWL acknowledges that enhancing access to education necessitates more than the creation of learning materials. It requires the commitment of communities, government, civil society organizations, traditional leaders, and development partners to eliminate barriers and foster enabling environments where women and girls can learn, grow, and pursue their aspirations.
Strengthening Communities Through Education
Traditional leaders and other community stakeholders involved in this initiative have expressed their support and reaffirmed the significance of promoting women’s education, empowerment, and meaningful participation in community development.
Through this initiative, Youth Crime Watch of Liberia remains dedicated to facilitating pathways that enable women and girls to reclaim educational opportunities, boost their confidence, acquire relevant knowledge and skills, and contribute more effectively to the development of their families and communities.
Second Chance Education transcends learning opportunities; it represents a chance to rebuild confidence, unlock potentials, and forge new pathways for women and girls to engage fully in society.
Youth Crime Watch of Liberia — Empowering Communities, Protecting Rights, Creating Opportunities.