MONROVIA, Liberia — Growing concerns about declining civic awareness among young people have sparked renewed efforts to strengthen ethical leadership and responsible citizenship in Liberia, with former Chief Justice Gloria Maya Musu Scott launching a new initiative aimed at preparing the next generation for national leadership and civic engagement.
The program, known as the Planting Seeds Initiative, was officially launched on Friday, May 15, 2026, at the Bella Casa Hotel in Sinkor. The initiative seeks to provide students with a deeper understanding of civic responsibilities, legal systems, national history, and ethical leadership principles at a time when many believe young people face increasing exposure to misinformation and social division.
The launch attracted approximately fifty students from several educational institutions, including the College of West Africa (CWA), Isaac A. David High School, William V.S. Tubman High School, as well as students from surrounding communities and other learning institutions.
Unlike conventional classroom programs, the initiative moved beyond indoor discussions and into practical learning experiences. Following the opening ceremony, participants embarked on an educational tour of several major public institutions and historical sites throughout Monrovia, allowing them to connect Liberia’s past with present-day governance and civic responsibility.
The students visited the Temple of Justice on Capitol Hill, where they interacted with judicial officials and learned about the role and functions of the judiciary, including discussions surrounding public perceptions of the justice system.
Additional sites visited included the historic residence of Joseph Jenkins Roberts, now housing the Law Library on Ashmun Street, the Old Executive Mansion currently occupied by the General Auditing Commission building, the Centennial Memorial Pavilion, and the former Legislature and Supreme Court building, now Liberia’s National Museum on Broad Street.
Throughout the educational tour, Cllr. Scott and other facilitators, including former Foreign Minister Olubanke King-Akerele, explained the significance of each location and encouraged students to understand Liberia’s historical journey as a foundation for responsible leadership.
According to the former Chief Justice, knowledge of national history and civic responsibility is essential in shaping future leaders capable of making informed and principled decisions.
She noted that a lack of civic education can leave young people vulnerable to manipulation, misinformation, disinformation, and limited participation in community and national development.
Cllr. Scott stressed that young citizens who understand governance systems and their civic responsibilities are often more likely to engage constructively within society through volunteerism, advocacy, and peaceful civic participation.
She also emphasized that civic education strengthens understanding of individual rights and teaches young people effective ways to address grievances through dialogue and lawful processes rather than destructive actions.
According to her, informed youth are less likely to be exploited by politicians or groups seeking to use them for personal or political interests that do not contribute to national progress.
Justice Scott thanked administrators from participating schools for allowing their students to take part in the initiative and expressed hope that the program would eventually expand to reach schools and youth organizations throughout Liberia.
Students participating in the exercise welcomed the initiative and praised organizers for creating an opportunity that combined practical learning with direct interaction with national institutions and historical sites.
Many participants described the experience as educational and inspiring, while encouraging organizers to expand the initiative to communities beyond Monrovia.
As Liberia continues to confront concerns over civic awareness and youth engagement, the initiative is being viewed by many observers as an attempt to strengthen the values, ethics, and leadership qualities expected of the country’s future generation.
