LIBERIA CONCLUDES 8TH STRENGTHENING FAMILIES CONFERENCE WITH PLEA TO PROTECT YOUTH, REBUILD HOMES & FAMILY-FIRST AGENDA
BY: Rufus Divine Brooks Jr.
MONROVIA, Montserrado County,– Liberia concluded the 8th annual Strengthening Families Conference over the weekend with calls for a “family-first agenda” to address youth vulnerability, drug abuse, and post-war social challenges.
Held June 19-20 at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Exhibition Complex, the conference drew cabinet ministers, lawmakers, faith leaders, diplomats, and youth advocates from across West Africa.
Organized by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints under the theme “Strengthening Families, Empowering Youth, and Building Resilient Communities,” it was the first time Liberia hosted the regional gathering.
The 2027 edition will be held in Cotonou, Benin
Elder Prince Nyanforh of Area 70, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Liberia, opened the event by calling the family “society’s first institution and primary safety net.”
He said strengthening families requires collaboration among government, faith groups, civil society, academia, and the private sector.
Nobel Peace Prize laureate Leymah Roberta Gbowee delivered a keynote, linking strong families to national stability.
Recounting her upbringing, she said her father rejected female genital cutting for his daughters and invested in their education.
“Strong families create stronger children, and stronger children build stronger nations,” Gbowee told delegates.
Speaking for the Africa West Area Presidency, Elder Ojederen cited the civil war’s impact on Liberian family structures and outlined four needs for youth: values, mentorship, education/skills, and belonging.
He highlighted the church’s BYU Pathway Worldwide and Succeed in School programs as open to all.
Government Flags Child Labor Crisis:
Deputy Minister for Children and Social Protection Gahme S. Tokpa cited a 2022 Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection/UNICEF study estimating more than 366,000 children work as street peddlers in Liberia.
She however outlined a five-year ministry plan to address it.
Fode E. Kape, Chief of Staff to First Lady Kartumu Yatta Boakai, delivered remarks on her behalf, urging policymakers to enact protections for the next generation.
Archbishop Gabriel Blamo Snosio Jubwe of the Archdiocese of Monrovia urged investment in vocational training and financial literacy, noting Liberia’s median age is 19.
“Share a meal with your family without phones. Enroll in a skills course. Learn your neighbor’s name,” he challenged delegates.
Tangible Outcomes, Regional Recognition
Panel discussions featured bank executives, traditional leaders, lawmakers, and former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor.
Former Deputy Minister Kadiatu K. Brohiri spoke on responsible technology use, saying “a smartphone without values becomes a distraction.”
The conference honored Abdul Manaf:
Kemokai of Defence for Children International Sierra Leone with the 2025 Family Values Award.
Organizers also announced the groundbreaking of DuPont Road Maternity Hospital in Montserrado County and a classroom project in Bong County as outcomes tied to the agenda.
Speakers closed by citing a Liberian proverb: “one broomstick breaks easily, but a bundle cannot be broken.”
The Strengthening Families Conference is held annually in a different African country.
Past hosts include Ghana, Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, and Sierra Leone.
The 2026 Monrovia edition reached thousands in person and online via live stream and viewing centers.