Liberia, which means "land of the free," was founded by freed slaves from the United States and is Africa's oldest republic. These freed slaves, called Americo-Liberians, first arrived in Liberia and established a settlement in Monrovia (named after U.S. President James Monroe) on Feb. 6, 1820. The Republic of Liberia lies between Sierra Leone and Cote d'Ivoire in West Africa. Its population of 3.48 million is 95% indigenous with 16 different ethnic groups, and 5% settlers from the U.S. and other Caribbean regions.
      Liberia is struggling to get back on its feet after almost 14-years of civil war. At one point, every one out of two Liberians was displaced from his/her home in the 1990s. In 2006, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf was elected president, becoming Africa's first female ruler. The arduous task of re-building democracy and the economic infrastructure is gradually moving forward with support from the international community.

The YMCA of Liberia
     The YMCA of Liberia was founded in 1881, and currently sup¬ports 14 branches and program centers throughout the coun¬try. The Y's holistic youth development programs include civic engagement, peace and reconciliation, adolescent reproductive health, computer training, recreation, sports and camping. The YMCA is also a national leader in the rehabilitation and reintegration of former youth combat¬ants into society.
     During the post-war period, the YMCAs encouraged people to return to their villages, take part in the disarma¬ment and reconstruction process and begin a countrywide process of psychological recovery and rebuilding of communi¬ties. One communication tool, the YMCA radio station, reaches more than 20,000 listeners on a daily basis with programs on health, peace, civic education and advocacy. Operated by car battery in a country that has no electricity, the radio provides some of the only information for a country with one of the highest illiteracy rates in the world.
     The YMCA currently has more than 7,000 members (the majority under the age of 25) and currently reaches 30,000 young people with support from YMCA and U.N. partners. It also has a longstanding and robust partnership with the YMCA of Indianapolis. ▼

To learn more about YMCA work around the world, visit www.ymca.net/worldservice.

Explore and enjoy social groups and ties at your YMCA. Most YMCAs, in addition to various sports leagues and classes, also have social groups for almost any age, but particularly teens and older adults. These might focus on travel, volunteering, cultural events, environmental projects, or other interests. We want your Y to be a welcoming, comfortable and evolving community space where people get healthy, get support and get connected. If there isn't a group or upcoming social event at your Y that meets your interests, ask about starting one.