Renowned Liberian humanitarian, Dr. Thomas Nimene Tweh, Jr., has underscored the need for more investment in the talents of young people in post-conflict Liberia.
Dr. Tweh, who is commonly known as “Original Countryman”, said government and others should see the need to provide support to young Liberians who have talent in various art disciplines in the society.
He maintained that Liberian youth will be able to compete with their counterparts or peers around the African continent and the world at large if they are supported to build their skills and talents.
His assertions were contained in a statement released in Monrovia shortly after he donated 33 pairs of high quality soccer boots to the male team of Montserrado County.
The donation was Dr. Tweh’s initiate contribution towards the team’s preparations ahead of the commencement of this year’s National County Sports Meet.
Dr. Tweh stated that young Liberians will realize their full potential and in turn contribute towards the socio-economic and infrastructural development of Liberia if they are properly supported to fulfill their dreams.
He observed that Liberians have vast skills and talents, but the lack of support makes it difficult for them and their family members to immensely benefit from those skills and talents.
“Liberians are gifted people. We, especially young people, have skills and talents. But the lack of support to push them up so that they can compete with their counterparts in other countries remains a major problem. We all should rally around young people who have skills and talents in various disciplines or sports to excel. This can also contribute towards the rebuilding process of our country,” Dr. Tweh maintained.
Dr. Tweh observed that talented young Liberians will ensure that Liberia regains its lost identity and international recognition if they are given the requisite support to move forward.
According to him, the skills and talents of young Liberians will perpetually fade away if those who are in the position to help them fail to do so.
“I strongly believe that our young footballers, musicians, dancers, artists and other young people who have skills and talents can be more than their peers in other countries if we give them the necessary support that they need to build their skills and talents.”
He further observed that the high cost of living occasioned by harsh economic constraints continue to serve as impediments strangulating the advancement of the skills and talents of young Liberians.
Dr. Tweh added that many skillful and talented Liberians cannot get materials or logistics needed to take their talent or skill from one level to another.
As a result of this, he maintained, these young citizens (whose skills and talents are not supported) are constrained to deviate from exercising their talents or engage into unwholesome practices.
“Even among our disadvantaged youths we see in the streets today—if you conduct a survey you will get to realize that most of them have skills and talents. But the lack of support makes it difficult for them to move forward. As a result of that, they forget about those skills and talents that could have been helpful to them and their families.”