On October 4, 2024, former Liberian Vice President Madam Jewel Howard-Taylor announced her renewed commitment to revitalizing the Jewel Starfish Foundation (JSF), marking a significant milestone in its efforts to support underserved youth in Liberia. With plans coinciding with the foundation’s upcoming 25th anniversary in December, Howard-Taylor aims to enhance the foundation’s programs by rebranding them to increase their effectiveness. She drew on her long-standing dedication to the JSF, which initiated during her tenure as First Lady, to underline the importance of this revitalization initiative. The focus is set on educational resources, mentorship, and skills training, all designed to empower Liberia’s younger generation and offer them invaluable opportunities.
The rebranding efforts come at a critical time, aligning with significant global observances, such as the International Day of the Girl Child. This timing underscores the JSF’s mission to empower young girls and promote gender equality within the community. The foundation aims to build connections with local schools, community leaders, and volunteers to bolster its initiatives further. The active engagement of local stakeholders is essential to create a more robust support system for youth and their families, thereby ensuring the sustainability of these programs.
A major highlight of the revitalization plan includes the unveiling of a Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) Manual, which Madam Howard-Taylor originally commissioned during her Vice Presidency. This manual, designed as a tool for teachers, concentrates on health and other critical issues impacting women and girls today. By launching this manual on October 9, 2024, at JJ Roberts, the JSF reaffirms its role in raising awareness about and educating the community on pressing issues relating to sexual and gender-based violence. The manual serves as a crucial resource for addressing these challenges effectively within Liberia.
Following the manual’s launch, the JSF has scheduled two significant events on October 10, 2024. The first of these will involve a partnership with the Muslim Congress to foster dialogue and address women’s issues within the community. This collaborative approach seeks to enhance understanding and support for women and girls, opening channels for dialogue on pressing concerns. Later that day, residents of Todee, a community in rural Montserrado County, will participate in a community event designed to further promote the JSF’s mission and initiatives, thereby directly engaging with those who stand to benefit from its programs.
As part of these revitalizing efforts, the Jewel Starfish Foundation’s girls’ team will join the observance of the International Day of the Girl Child on October 11, 2024. This program is particularly important as it aims to raise awareness about the rights and challenges that girls face on a global scale. By participating, the JSF hopes to highlight the ongoing struggles for girls’ rights in Liberia while advocating for positive changes that ensure their empowerment. This initiative emphasizes the critical need to address these issues systematically and collectively while fostering an environment conducive to discussion and educational opportunities.
In summary, the revitalization of the Jewel Starfish Foundation represents a pivotal effort aimed at empowering Liberia’s youth, particularly young girls, by addressing significant societal challenges. Through educational programs, mentorship, and community engagement, the JSF seeks to create a sustainable impact on the lives of young Liberians. As it prepares for its 25th anniversary, the foundation’s renewed commitment and initiatives, including the launch of the SGBV Manual and partnerships with local organizations, position it as a leader in advocating for the rights and future of underserved youth in Liberia. The forthcoming events promise to foster meaningful dialogue and awareness, ultimately working towards a brighter future for the nation’s younger generations.
