Source: New Democrat
In an accelerated drive to promote youth empowerment, especially adolescent girls across the African continent, the government of Japan has granted US$86,206 to Youth Crime Watch of Liberia (YCWL).

Japan's Ambassador to Liberia, Naoto Nikai, signed the contract for the grant contract with officials of YCWL in Paynesville last week, saying it was offered under Japan's Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGHSP) scheme.
The Ambassador later said the amount was intended for construction of young women's empowerment center in Paynesville equipped with skills training for them.
"Liberia still remains in a state where only privileged people receive education, skills and experience. I hear many young ladies end up in early marriages or become susceptible to social vices, due to being unable to fulfill their career ambitions," Ambassador Nikai lamented.
He said the grant was Japan's partial contribution to Liberia's Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS) whereby young women will acquire employable skills in secretarial science, management, entrepreneurship and information technology.
YCWL's executive director Zuo D. Taylor expressed appreciation for the gesture and challenged the government through the Ministries of Youth and Sports and Gender Development to engage youths in ensuring that the center becomes functional after competition.

• Liberia