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ADNews-Monrovia, Liberia: As Liberia grapples with mounting environmental challenges ranging from rapid waste generation and plastic pollution to limited recycling infrastructure, high youth unemployment and growing climate vulnerability, ActionAid Liberia has concluded a two-day national training aimed at promoting circular economy practices and green jobs.
The training, held in Monrovia from Dec. 10–11, brought together more than 20 young people aged 18 to 35 from youth-led organizations, small and medium-sized enterprises, universities, movements, alliances and networks. The initiative sought to equip participants with skills, knowledge and tools to develop local solutions for sustainable livelihoods.
According to ActionAid Liberia, the program was designed to strengthen participants’ understanding of circular economy concepts and their relevance to Liberia’s development challenges. It also focused on building practical skills in waste valorization, recycling innovations, business modeling and green livelihood opportunities.
Participants were exposed to Liberia-based circular economy actors through case studies and experience-sharing sessions, while also receiving training in policy advocacy to influence national, county and municipal policies that support green jobs and sustainable waste management. The program further supported participants in developing action plans for community-level initiatives and advocacy.
Madam Norwu Harris, Actionaid- Liberia Climate Justice Program Coordinator, said Liberia’s environmental challenges underscore the urgent need for innovative approaches that simultaneously address environmental degradation and economic insecurity, particularly among young people.
One participant, Mawatta A.C. Sheriff of the Foundation for Youth and Women Empowerment, said the training highlighted entrepreneurship as a pathway to youth empowerment. Her organization is engaged in climate justice advocacy, sexual and reproductive health and rights, menstrual health, and sustainable development.
“There are many opportunities in green jobs, including waste recycling, agriculture, construction and climate mitigation,” Sheriff said.
She recommended that future trainings be extended to at least three months to allow participants to gain deeper practical experience and understanding of circular economy systems.
At the end of the training, participants gained both practical and conceptual knowledge of circular economy and green jobs. Outcomes included the development of mini business concepts focused on recycling, upcycling, repair and resource recovery, increased awareness of existing green-sector actors and job pathways in Liberia, and strengthened capacity for policy advocacy.
Participants also drafted community or organizational action plans, which ActionAid said will be supported through follow-up mentorship to advance sustainable waste management, recycling initiatives and green livelihoods across the country.
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