To Crusade for Natural Resource Riches, Constitutional Change, Free healthcare and Criminalization of Child Labor.
Under the sun-dappled sky of Monrovia, tens of thousands of ordinary citizens gathered inside and outside the newly inaugurated headquarters of Solidarity & Trust for a New Day (STAND) on Tubman Boulevard.
Their faces wore a tapestry of emotions—hope, determination, and a shared yearning for change. They carried a powerful petition in hand, a collective cry for justice, equality, and a brighter future for their beloved country, Liberia.
The crowd was a mosaic of diversity, filled with the physically challenged, market women, teachers, soldiers, and war-affected youths—all united under the banner of a common cause. They wore T-shirts emblazoned with the words “We Are STAND,” a movement that held the promise of a new dawn for a nation still healing from the scars of civil conflict.
At the forefront stood Mulbah K. Morlu, the People’s Chairman, a figurehead who had led the charge with charisma and conviction. The occasion was not just about launching a manifesto; it was about rekindling the belief that the voice of the people could indeed drive profound reforms.
Morlu stepped onto the stage, welcomed by deafening cheers. As the cadence of their applause vibrated through the air, he raised his hand for silence, his heart swelling with the palpable energy of hope and determination.
“Today,” he began, his voice steady and strong, “we turn the tide against corruption, child labor, and the neglect of our communities. Today, we demand that our leaders hear our voices! We stand for a constitutional reform that prioritizes the rights of the people over the whims of the powerful!”
The petition—an extensive list of demands—was unfurled before him. Each point resonated deeply within the crowd: the proposal to criminalize child labor, particularly in the context of street trading where vulnerable youths had been exploited and enlisted into rebel armies; the urgent call for free healthcare for expectant mothers and children; and the plea for accessible education that would safeguard the dreams of the youngest Liberians.
A mother, in the crowd openly nodded her head in sorrow. “Education should not be tied to wealth!” she said.
“A child’s future must not be determined by their parents’ income!”
The echo of her anguish resounded through the crowd, igniting sparks of determination in others. This statement reflected years of collective suffering for parents in a country low literacy and high cost of living. But now they were ready to transform that pain into action.
As the day unfolded, some of the petitioners took upon themselves, each reinforcing the manifesto’s key points. “Our resources belong to us,” declared a miner, “not to foreign corporations that strip our land and leave our people in poverty!”
With each speech, an ember of resolve ignited among the citizens. They rallied behind Morlu’s vision for a fair distribution of Liberia’s natural resource wealth. “It is time to hold our leaders accountable!” he shouted, as the people chanted in unison, “STAND with us! STAND for our rights!”
As the ceremony unfolded Mouna Farhat who led the petition, introduced a special segment focused on the protection of women and girls, whose dignity had been undermined for far too long. Each testimony brought forth the harsh realities faced by Liberian women, from gender-based violence to insufficient opportunities for economic empowerment.
“I have faced countless battles to provide for my family,” a market woman recounted, her voice trembling yet unwavering. “Let us be the change we wish to see. We demand jobs! We demand respect!”
Then came the moment that would define the campaign—the heart of the petition capturing young people who constitute more than 60% of the country’s 5.5 million population: public entities, local schools and businesses are encouraged to launch vacation job programs tailored for youth. This initiative would integrate education with structured work experience, empowering young people to cultivate skills while learning the value of hard work.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden hue over the gathering, the citizens’ spirits soared. Together, they created a vibrant tapestry of hope and purpose—a flame that neither political turmoil nor social injustice could extinguish.
As the day closed, Morlu made a bold promise: “Our desire is for the stability and democratic governance of our country. We care more about Liberia. We will STAND at the peril of our lives. We will STAND with you we will fight with you. We will confront the problem of our country. We will not stop until every child is liberated from labor and every citizen is free from corruption! We will STAND for change and for a Liberia we can be proud of!”
And just like that, STAND had forged a path forward, one fueled by the indomitable spirit of the Liberian people. With the bond of unity, they vowed to advocate tirelessly for reforms that would restore dignity, justice, and opportunity in a country rich with potential but marred by neglect.
This was their moment. This was their movement. Together, as one voice, they would reclaim their future, crafting a new narrative for Liberia—one of accountability, equity, and unwavering resilience.
