Cestos City, River Cess County August 23,2025– Young people and community members in Cestos City celebrated the UNDP Eco-Brigade program launched, describing it as a transformative initiative that would change lives, create jobs, and improve sanitation across the city. Beneficiaries say the program has given them renewed hope, practical skills, and the chance to contribute meaningfully to their communities.
In interviews with participants, many expressed gratitude for the opportunity to be part of the brigades. Eighteen-year-old Theresa G. Dixon, a student at Green Pasture High School in Cestos city, said she felt privileged to be included despite her age. “This program is like a winning ticket for me,” she said with excitement. “The $400 support after 20 days will help me start a cold water business, support my mother, and pay my school fees.”
Timothy M. Dargbeh, from Riverside Community in Cestos City also shares similar experience, recalled being selected through a raffle draw among hundreds of applicants. For him, the program is proof that volunteering can open doors for young people. “I see transformation already. My plan is to establish a business and continue giving back to my community,” he said. He also called for greater support from local authorities to strengthen sanitation enforcement and back the brigades in their work.
For Caroline Blamo, a mother of five and small businesswoman, says the program has restored her hope. “Before this, I was just doing petty trading to keep my children in school. Now, with the training and financial support from the UNDP, I can expand and prove myself as a serious businesswoman,” she explained.
The captain of the Cestos Eco-Brigade, Emmanuel M. Morris, described the program as both empowering and timely. “This initiative has given us purpose,” he said. “But we need more logistics like tricycles and collection points to improve waste management. We are also planning small farms to help fund our tools.”
Beneficiaries agreed that the Eco-Brigade Program is more than a sanitation project—it is equipping them with business knowledge, leadership, and teamwork skills, while inspiring a sense of civic duty to make Cestos City safer and cleaner. Many also believe that if expanded, the initiative could transform River Cess County as a whole.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Youth and Sports Coordinator in Cestos city, Torga Christian Chea, praised the program during an interaction with brigade members, urging them to hold on to the opportunity as a pathway to empowerment. “This is an opportunity for you as young people. Don’t let it slip away,” he said.
Chea highlighted the importance of cooperation among brigade members and respect between leaders and team members. “This is cooperative work—it requires teamwork. Captains must lead with respect, and teammates must respect their leaders. We all come from different backgrounds, but we must work together,” he advised.
He also appealed to development partners to expand the program beyond the current districts, stressing that many young people graduate without the skills or support needed to succeed. “The Eco-Brigade is unique and well-suited for youth. It is not just about cleaning—it is about preparing the next generation with practical knowledge,” he added.
With its blend of environmental stewardship and economic empowerment, the Eco-Brigade program is fast becoming a symbol of hope for the youth of Cestos City and beyond.
However, UNDP Project Coordinator Abraham Tumbey said the program aims to inspire young people to work with their communities and local authorities to make their cities clean, green, and safe.
“The Eco-Brigade program is not for UNDP; it’s for the people of Tubmanburg,” Tumbey emphasized. “What we are doing is to inspire you, support you, and build your capacity.”
Since its inception in 2019, the Eco-Brigade has expanded to several counties, including Grand Gedeh, Lofa, Grand Bassa, and Grand Cape Mount. The Tubmanburg launch marks the third cohort of young volunteers, who recently completed training in environmental management, tree planting, waste disposal, and business skills.
Over the next 20 days, participants will lead clean-up campaigns and community awareness exercises before receiving a $400 start-up grant. Tumbey recounted success stories from earlier brigades, including youth who invested their stipends in education, transport businesses, and small-scale trade.
“You will eat some and keep some. You will use some to pay your school fees and support your family. Through this program, some of you can even become millionaires tomorrow,” he advised, while reminding volunteers that the heart of the program is community service.
Tumbey also called on the Environmental Protection Agency, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and the City Corporation to provide oversight.
Implemented by the Government of Liberia with support from UNDP and partners, the Eco-Brigade aligns with President Joseph Boakai’s ARREST Agenda, prioritizing youth empowerment, economic growth, and environmental sustainability
