YMCA Liberia National Youth Council Launches Climate Action to Collect 50,000 Plastic Bottles for Construction of Palava Hut on Todee Camp
Monrovia- The YMCA Liberia National Youth Council has launched a youth-led solution called Climate Action to collect and eliminate 50,000 plastic bottles from various street corners in Monrovia and its environs. The aim of the project is to convert these bottles into eco-bricks.
By Jaheim T. Tumu – jaheim.tumu@frontpageafricaonline.com
The collected plastic bottles will be used to construct two structures at the YMCA Youth Camp in Todee, including two bathrooms, an apartment, and a palava hut. The palava hut will feature a half-rounded balcony with a seating capacity for 40 to 50 people.
This project is expected to have a direct impact on more than 5,000 individuals, with the participation of 3,500 females and 1,500 males.
However, the financing of the project remains a top priority for the National Youth Council. President Ebenezer Davies has revealed that an estimated amount of USD$18,095 is required to complete the construction. Currently, they have generated USD$6,000.00, leaving a balance of USD$12,095.
President Davies called for support in the form of financial contributions and volunteerism to ensure the successful completion of the project.
During the project launch, Cllr. Samuel Kofi Woods II, the president of the National Board of the YMCA Liberia, pledged the board’s full support to ensure the successful completion of the project. He also highlighted the support from the Environmental Protection Agency and Monrovia City Hall.
Cllr. Woods emphasized that the YMCA youth have consistently proven themselves to be the driving force behind the institution. He encouraged young people to actively participate in YMCA programs, which provide them with the opportunity to think, innovate, and become creative leaders for the country.
He stated, “We want to support you from the side of the national board. You need all the support you can get because if you make us proud here at the YMCA, we have a responsibility to demonstrate that we can also fully support you. The potential of the young people knows no limit.”
Furthermore, Cllr. Woods urged young people to refrain from complaining and instead emulate the YMCA youth by finding solutions for the challenges facing the country. He emphasized the need for young people to become leaders who provide solutions and contribute to their communities.
Aletha Janjay Quoi, who represented the Country Director of ActionAid Liberia, Madam Elizabeth Johnson, commended the YMCA for taking this significant action to reduce plastic pollution in the country. Quoi emphasized that climate change affects everyone and encouraged young people to step up and engage in climate justice initiatives and activities.
She further expressed ActionAid Liberia’s willingness to support initiatives aimed at protecting the environment and ensuring a safe future for upcoming generations.
Quoi stated, “The passion and energy in this room compel all of us to join hands in combating plastic pollution in Liberia. While not everyone can be a driver, some can be followers and supporters.” She recognized the YMCA’s young, brilliant, and innovative individuals as the drivers of climate change initiatives in Liberia, particularly in the collection of plastic bottles.
