The third phase of training under the project: “Supporting Peaceful Reintegration of High Risk Youth into their Communities through Facilitating Rural Transport Livelihood Opportunities and funded under the Liberia Peace Building Fund, has ended at the YMCA Center in Kakata, Margibi County.

The training according to the Liberia YMCA is in collaboration with the government of Liberia, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL).

 The project is aimed at enhancing the Socio-economic reintegration of high risk youths operating commercial motorcycle, and the promotion of means for resolving conflict among motorcycle riders, the community and the Police. Two Hundred hundred commercial motorcycle riders  received training on Highway Code, safety signs and other safety measures,aimed at promoting human safety and lives.

The riders also underwent psychosocial counseling, awareness and sensitization on HIV/AIDS and civic education. 

The Young Men’s Christian Association of Liberia is primarily responsible for the implementation of the program.The Project was launched in August 2009 by the government of Liberia through Transport Minister,  Alphonso Gaye. 

Motorbike taxis is a trend overtaking the country, with motorcyclists lacking the requisite  formal training, there are increasing levels of casualties including the loss of lives and properties from motorcycle accidents. Motorcyclists are also common to come into conflict with the law.

At the end of the training, beneficiaries received two helmets, a pair of hand gloves and a reflector vest with identity number.

The initial pilot phase of the project is to cover six of the fifteen counties, namely: Bomi, Margibi, Bong, Grand Gedeh, Montserrado and Sinoe Counties.

One thousand five hundred commercial motorcyclists are expected to benefit from this initiative, over a period of eighteen months.

Already training have been held in Tubmanburg and Gbarnga, with Kakata being the latest. The training is funded under the Liberia Peace Building Fund.

Emmanuel King, Jr