By Emmanuel Kerkulah
MONROVIA, Liberia — Young people from across Montserrado County recently gathered for an inspiring and transformational youth empowerment program organized by Kenyor’s Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting youth voices, education, leadership, and innovative opportunities for young Liberians regardless of their background or circumstances.
* Background
The institution continues to make significant strides in youth development through impactful programs designed to equip young people with the skills, confidence, and motivation needed to thrive in society.
Founded on transformational youth-centered initiatives, the organization’s Leadership and Public Speaking Academy remains one of its traditional flagship programs, successfully empowering and equipping more than 300 young people across Liberia through Cohorts One, Two, and Three.
This year, the foundation introduced another groundbreaking flagship initiative known as Baby StepsTalk, launched by the Executive Director, Andrew Nuch Kenyor, popularly known as the “Baby Steps-man.”
The initiative was created to encourage young people to start small in whatever they pursue while remaining consistent and determined to grow over time.
According to organizers, the program focuses on addressing four major societal challenges affecting Liberia’s youth, including Career Development, Public Speaking, Ethical Leadership, and Personal Branding.
Through the initiative, Kenyor’s Foundation aims to impact more than 10,000 young people across Liberia and beyond.
*Overview
Providing an overview of the program, Andrew Nuch Kenyor described Baby StepsTalk as a two-day intensive training initiative specifically designed to equip young people with practical knowledge, confidence, and leadership skills in the program’s four major focus areas.
Operating under the tagline “Starting Small, Growing Big,” the Executive Director encouraged participants to believe in gradual growth and self-development instead of waiting for perfect opportunities before beginning their journeys.
The first edition of Baby StepsTalk was launched in District #15, where organizers successfully impacted more than 75 young people across Montserrado County.
However, the recently concluded Baby StepsTalk Series 2.0, held on May 14, has become the organization’s largest and most talked-about edition so far.
The event brought together remarkable speakers, youth mentors, and facilitators from across the country, impacting more than 100 young people throughout Montserrado County.
Among the keynote speakers was youth developer Dr. Agnes Fortune-Cann, who delivered a powerful presentation on ethical leadership under the theme “Lead by Example.”
Speaking to participants, Dr. Fortune-Cann emphasized the importance of integrity and accountability in leadership, especially among young people aspiring to become future leaders.
“People, especially young folks, look up to leaders who walk the talk,” she stated.
“Your actions set the tone for what is acceptable and what is not. When you own up to mistakes and demonstrate integrity, others will also be encouraged to do the same.”
She further described ethical leadership as one of the most important ingredients necessary for national transformation and sustainable youth development.
Participants were also inspired by special guest Cynthia Miller, who shared her personal story of resilience, determination, and perseverance.
Her motivational testimony reportedly encouraged many participants to remain focused on their goals despite life’s difficulties and challenges. She urged young people to believe in themselves, embrace growth opportunities, and remain committed to their dreams.
Meanwhile, facilitator Wilcom Duncan delivered an engaging presentation on Personal Branding, where he highlighted the importance of self-image, communication, consistency, and reputation in today’s competitive world.
According to Duncan, personal branding goes beyond appearance and includes how individuals present themselves professionally, socially, and digitally.
“You are your own brand,” he told participants. “The way you speak, behave, communicate, and carry yourself can either create opportunities or limit them.”
The Baby StepsTalk initiative continues to receive praise from participants and community members for creating an empowering environment where young people can learn, network, build confidence, and discover their potential.
As Kenyor’s Foundation expands its outreach efforts, many observers believe the initiative is gradually becoming one of Liberia’s emerging youth empowerment platforms dedicated to preparing the next generation of ethical leaders, communicators, and innovators across the country.
