In a country without electricity, the Liberia YMCA amateur radio stations, operated by car battery, are part of the civic education/youth advocacy and peace building programme.

The five Y-Echo radio stations are all managed and operated by young people, many under the age of 30. In 2002 during the civil war, all stations were shut down and equipment was seized on the same day at the same hour as they did not toe the Taylor party line. In true YMCA spirit, the movement bought slots on other radio stations to continue their messages, until they could re-establish the radio stations.

During the post-war period, the YMCA stations encouraged people to return to their villages, take part in the disarmament and reconstruction process and begin a countrywide process of psychological recovery and rebuilding of communities. Station manager of Ganta Y-Echo radio station, Matthew B Brimah, used his war experience to reach out to fellow ex-combatants, telling listeners, “I was once a fighter too – you can be like me, you can change your life.” He motivated the ex-combatants to turn in their weapons and take part in the skills development offered as part of the disarmament. He tells of many ex-combatants who, after listening to his messages on air, signed up for YMCA training such as carpentry, and are now earning a living.

The YMCA reaches over 20 000 listeners on a daily basis with programmes on health, peace, civic education and advocacy. Liberia has one of the highest illiteracy rates in the world, and many people rely solely on the information being provided to them by radio.

As Liberia moves from a conflict-stricken state into an era of growth and development, the active involvement of youth is crucial. The youth who operate the YMCA radio stations are a vital link between the local and national leaders, and the communities who, to a large extent, have been denied adequate information on issues that affect them. These mainly self-taught youth have passion, dedication and tenacity.