PAYNESVILLE, Liberia, Sept. 24 -- For 500 young Liberians gathered at the Paynesville City Hall, Wednesday was more than the launch of another youth program.

By Patience M. Jones

It was presented as the beginning of a journey one that organizers hope will help young people discover their purpose, build confidence, develop leadership skills and create pathways toward careers in diplomacy, entrepreneurship, public service and other professions.

The occasion marked the launch of the first cohort of the Karishma Pelham-Raad Mentorship Program, a two-day initiative held under the theme "Empowering Minds, Inspiring Future."

The program brought together young people from different academic and professional backgrounds, alongside mentors, gov...