November 8, 2005 marked a historic turning point both for Africa and modern Liberia, a small west African nation founded by freed American slaves in 1847. On that day, in a peaceful and orderly election, Harvard-trained economist Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf became the first woman head of state on the African continent.

Liberia's recent history, regrettably, has been tainted by conflict and violence. The civil wars of 1989-1996 and 2002-2003 cost the lives of an estimated 250,000 Liberians, displaced more than a million others, ravaged the country's economic infrastructure, and destabilized the whole region.

The involvement of youth in post-colonial wars and sectarian fighting, not just in Liberia but throughout sub-Saharan Africa, has stained the continent's future, disrupted the lives of innocent people, and robbed the next generation of hope.

Contemporary African leadership needs to draw its youth away from infatuation with violence toward cooperation, respect, and community awareness, values traditionally learned within the family.

Through service projects, educational seminars, and public events, YFWP-LIBERIA is working to build a new constituency for peace in the country, and to awaken faith and hope among the country's future leaders.

"As you are aware, in 1979, we were involved in a food riot," the Rev. Gerald B. Coleman, secretary general of the Universal Peace Federation-Liberia, reminded YFWP volunteers on an intensive one-day service project in the compound of the John F. Kennedy National Medical Center in Monrovia. "Again in 1980 our president, William R. Tolbert, Jr., was killed and all of these situations have been blamed on the youth simply because they were not prepared and advanced mentally enough to know what is right or wrong.

"What we do today will determine how our society will be 5, 10, and 20 years to come," Coleman said. "As you have begun to volunteer your efforts and services, continue and we will soon realize a peaceful and prosperous Liberia."

The hospital project not only brought much needed attention to the compound, it encouraged the ideal of service and focused the energies of young people on community building. Forty-four youths from different communities, religious backgrounds, and ethnicities in Monrovia joined together for the project.

Liberian Senator John Ballout commended those who woke up early to volunteer their service. "As you have  started cleaning up your surrounding,"he said, "you will continue to clean up your country. Even if you are placed in governmental position tomorrow, you have established some contacts and at least a relationship with me. In fact," the senator said, "I think I should begin cleaning up. Where is the broom? Let me start sweeping."

Deputy Hospital Administrator Doctor Joseph Coleman added that "we all have to work collectively in order to maintain stable peace and realize development in our country, and this is how it all begins. You should keep the momentum that you have come with and don't let it fade. I am so proud of you."

YFWP-LIBERIA acting president Fofee B.W. Siryon noted that "the majority who dedicated their time and effort to work for the sake of others have made up their minds to get involved in peace building to build a more secure future."