Alternative Youth Radio-AYR

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Alternative Youth Radio-AYR

Based in Zorzor, Lofa County, Alternative Youth Radio (AYR) is Liberia’s first youth community radio.

Broadcasting 24/7 on 98.9 FM and online at ayrlib.com, AYR trains young journalists, promotes civic engagement, and supports rural development. Alternative Youth Radio (AYR) is Liberia’s first youth-led community radio station, headquartered in Zorzor, Lofa County. Since launching in June 2016, AYR has been a powerful voice for underserved youth, using radio broadcasting, digital media, and grassroots advocacy to educate, inform, and transform communities across rural Liberia. Broadcasting 24/7 on 98.9 FM and streaming worldwide at www.ayrlib.com, AYR reaches audiences across Lofa, Bong, Nimba, Gbarpolu Counties, and parts of neighbouring Guinea. AYR delivers high-impact programs on youth empowerment, civic engagement, girls’ rights, public health, local governance, education, and rural development. In 2024, AYR completed a state-of-the-art media complex—a milestone for youth-led innovation in Liberia. We are now building the country’s first rural, tuition-free School of Professional Journalism and Vocational Education, which will train over 25,000 young people in media, ethical leadership, and sustainable skills in the next ten years. AYR’s impact model is rooted in our theory of change:

“When rural youth are equipped with knowledge, skills, and platforms to express themselves, they become powerful changemakers who lead development in their own communities.”
To date, AYR has trained and mentored more than 50 young leaders in journalism, broadcasting, and civic leadership—including youth with disabilities—and provides daily volunteer opportunities for 30+ rural young people. We believe in inclusion, innovation, and investment in the potential of Liberia’s next generation. Follow this page to stay updated on our programs, success stories, advocacy work, and Liberia’s most inspiring youth-driven movement.
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01/02/2026

One of our staff members celebrates his birthday today.
Peter Kollie, we appreciate the work you do and encourage you to be yourself.

Family, kindly join us and celebrate with him by commenting "Happy Birthday".

31/01/2026

𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐙𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐨 𝐄𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐄𝐦𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐬 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩.

Students of Guzeh Elementary, Junior and Senior High School in Zolowo Township,Lofa County were urged to view leadership as a journey rooted in service and personal growth during their Student Council Government induction ceremony on Friday. The message was delivered by Mr. James Papy Kwabo, who addressed students, educators, and community members gathered for the occasion.

Kwabo, speaking to the newly inducted student leaders, emphasized that leadership potential is not determined by age or background, but by one’s commitment to serving others and making a difference within their community. He encouraged students to develop self-confidence and to recognize the importance of the roles they now hold.

Drawing from his own experience as a former student leader, Kwabo reflected on his early involvement in leadership in 2008, noting that he had not anticipated the path his life would later take. He told students that the values and habits they cultivate now could shape their future opportunities and influence.

During his remarks, Kwabo shared examples from his time at Zorzor Central High School, where student leaders worked collaboratively to address challenges. He recounted efforts to raise funds for a sick classmate’s medical expenses and advocacy that led to the installation of a hand pump to improve access to safe drinking water on campus. He said such actions demonstrated how initiative and teamwork can lead to meaningful change.

Kwabo encouraged the student leaders to rely on dialogue and structured processes when addressing concerns, stressing that peaceful engagement is often more effective than confrontation in resolving issues.

He also spoke about his personal journey growing up under challenging conditions, including studying in palm-thatch classrooms and carrying books in rice bags. These experiences, he said, motivated him to remain focused on his education and personal development despite financial hardship.

Kwabo currently serves as a lecturer at Lofa County’s only university and has received several recognitions over the years, including the 2024 MTN Hero of Change National Award. He was also selected as a Mandela Washington Fellow in 2019 under a program of the U.S. Department of State.

At the event, Kwabo announced plans to donate a quizzing bell to the school within two weeks, following a request from students. He also disclosed plans to provide 30 scholarships beginning next academic year to support students in their academic pursuits.

In addition, he pledged to sponsor the university tuition of the current Student Council President at Lofa University through graduation, with the student’s family expected to assist with living expenses.

School authorities and community members welcomed the gesture, describing it as a positive step toward motivating students and strengthening youth development efforts in the area.

The ceremony concluded with expressions of appreciation from students, many of whom said they felt inspired to take their leadership roles seriously and contribute positively to their school and community.

23/01/2026

‎📻 WE ARE BACK ON AIR! 🎉
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‎Great news to our valued listeners and supporters!
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‎We are pleased to inform you that the technical issues affecting our transmitter have been successfully resolved, and our radio station is now fully back on air.
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‎We sincerely appreciate your patience, understanding, and continued support during the period of interruption. Your messages, calls, and encouragement meant a lot to us as we worked tirelessly to restore transmission.
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‎Please tune in and stay connected as we continue to serve you with informative, educational, and community-focused programming.
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‎Thank you for standing with us.
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‎📡 The voice you trust is back!

22/01/2026

Are you tired of sitting home without a skill? Do you want to learn something practical, work with your hands, your mind, and build a better future for yourself and your family?
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‎The Technical and Vocational Education and Training Department of Voinjama Multilateral High School is pleased to announce the opening of a new intake for students and community members who are ready to learn skills that lead to real jobs, self-employment, and independence.
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‎At Voinjama Multilateral High School Technical and Vocational Education and Training, learning is hands-on and practical.
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‎Students are trained in Computer Science and ICT, Electricity, Auto Mechanic, Tailoring, Carpentry, Machining, Driving, Catering and Pastry, Agriculture, Entrepreneurship, and Monitoring and Evaluation, also known as M & E.
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‎These programs are designed to help you gain confidence, master a trade, and create opportunities, whether you want to work for someone or start your own business.
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‎The entrance examination will be held on Monday, February 23, 2026, and classes for short-term courses will officially begin on March 2, 2026.
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‎If you are serious about your future, this is your chance. For enrollment and further information, visit the Voinjama Multilateral High School campus today or call: 0776-990-187, 0886-962-672, or 0776-906-090.
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‎"Voinjama Multilateral High School TVET Department — Building skills, creating opportunities, and shaping the future"

20/01/2026

Police arrest 9 in connection with little Fesseh's mysterious disappearance in Town.

19/01/2026

As reported by Nyantee Togba
The Ministry of Youth and Sports has affirmed the legitimacy of the recently conducted Federation of Liberian Youth elections, concluding that there is no administrative basis to overturn the results.

In a report issued by its Administrative Hearing Committee, the ministry said a thorough review of submissions, engagements and clarifications related to the electoral process did not reveal any violation sufficient to invalidate the outcome.

The committee determined that the election enjoys a presumption of legality that remains intact and undisplaced. As a result, the ministry said the outcome of the election stands unless a competent court issues a contrary judicial determination.

The findings were contained in the committee’s final conclusion dated Dec. 16, 2025, following its review of complaints arising from the youth federation’s electoral process.
The Administrative Hearing Committee was chaired by Sando James, director for youth development, and included Sam Jomah, compliance officer, and Mitcheal Feika as members.

17/01/2026

Car Accident Reported on Zorzor–Sucromu Road, Victims in Critical Condition

A serious motor accident was reported earlier today on the main road between Zorzor and Sucromu Town in Lofa County.

According to eyewitnesses, the vehicle was traveling toward Monrovia when the driver reportedly lost control of the car. The vehicle subsequently veered off the road and plunged into a valley near Sucromu Town.

Eyewitnesses at the scene said several workers were onboard the vehicle at the time of the accident.

They disclosed that all occupants sustained serious injuries and were in critical condition following the crash.

Community members and passersby rushed to the scene and helped to rescue the victims from the valley. The injured persons were later transported to a nearby health facility for urgent medical treatment.

As of the time of this report, the exact cause of the accident has not been officially established, and the condition of the victims remains critical.

Authorities are expected to conduct further investigation into the incident.

17/01/2026

The Ministry of Education has selected a 15-acre site in Voinjama City, Lofa County, for the construction of 100 housing units for civil servants to help address housing challenges in the county. Local authorities have approved the allocation of land opposite the Education Office for the project.

The initiative involves several government agencies, and Lofa County Superintendent J. Lavelah Massaquoi has directed the Liberia Land Authority to immediately survey the land to move the project forward.

cc voice of Lofa

17/01/2026

Lofans don't forget the name Senator Momo T Cyrus.

The man Love for Lofa county is too much.

He has once again rescued the football team...

17/01/2026

Senator Momo T. Cyrus Rescue Lofa again.

Lofa County Senator Momo T. Cyrus has begun the payment of Lofa County players in an effort to prevent the county from facing public disgrace.

The decision follows growing tension among the players, who had threatened to stage a protest over unpaid allowances for their participation in the National County Sports Meet.

Two weeks ago, Lofa County Superintendent Hon. J. Lavelah Massaquoi visited the team camp and promised to the players within 7 days but unfortunately the county failed to deliver on its promises due to the long procedures in getting money from the County account.
The players expressed frustration after weeks of delay, warning that failure to pay them would force them to take action.

Senator Cyrus’ intervention has brought relief to the players and sports officials, as the payment process is now underway at his residence in Paynesville.
The move is being widely praised as timely and necessary to maintain peace and protect the image of Lofa County.

Sports authorities say the situation is now calm, and the players have recommitted themselves to representing the county with pride.

14/01/2026

AYR’s founder and veteran community radio journalist,James Papy Kwabo resigns from mainstream media and active broadcasting as Program Director Junior Kessellee assumes roles as General Manager pending full turnover ceremony.

Below is what Mr. Kwabo wrote on his page:

𝘼 𝙋𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝘼𝙣𝙣𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙤𝙣 𝙈𝙮 𝙏𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙈𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙢 𝙅𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙣𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙢

After more than twenty years of service in mainstream journalism, I wish to formally share that I have stepped away from active broadcasting and frontline media practice.

My journey began in 2003/2004 at the age of 14 as a child broadcaster at ELBC, under the mentorship of Mr. Chris Wolo. Around the same period, while in the eighth grade at the Martin Luther King High School, I had the privilege of working with the school administration particularly Mr. Enoch Fallah Harlie , Jerry J Carr Theodore Hodge, and Jerome LM Kollie Jr. to establish what became the school’s first Press Club. I remain grateful to a senior student then, Charles Gborlie, whose interest and leadership helped sustain the club and later led him to a successful academic and professional path in journalism and education. His journey continues to inspire me.

In 2005, after returning to Zorzor, I continued as a child broadcaster at Radio Life 92.5MHz under the guidance of Tiger Quaqua Miller Dayidi Dukuly, Dequemine Tabolo, Amb Zarballee K. Woiwor Madam Kebeh Woi ,the late Exodus Smith and others. Radio Life did not only shaped my professional skills but also connected me to individuals who profoundly influenced my life, including Chief Moses Y Kollie whose support extended beyond the newsroom and made it possible for me to complete high school and later earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communication (Broadcasting), graduating with Magna Cum Laude.

Over the years at Radio Life, I served in various capacities including, from being a child broadcaster to senior reporter, head of outside broadcast, and trainer;while also participating in advocacy efforts that supported the station’s growth. These experiences provided opportunities to engage with national leaders and stakeholders and to contribute meaningfully to public discourse.

In 2015, driven by a desire to expand opportunities for other rural young people like myself , we established Alternative Youth Radio-AYR which went on air in 2016. What began with very limited resources has since grown into a community-anchored media institution focused on youth development, training, and inclusion and innovation. AYR has trained and mentored more than 150 young people and continues to serve as a platform for learning and expression. I remain deeply thankful to the Kalifallah Dulley Community, our partners, and the many young people who gave life to this vision.

Along the way, I sought to strengthen my impact through further education and service, including earning a Master of Public Administration degree from Cuttington University in 2022, participating in the 2019 Mandela Washington Fellowship, and serving as a communications consultant for public institutions between 2017 and 2023. These experiences broadened my perspective beyond the newsroom and reinforced the importance of sustainable systems and leadership.

As announced last year, I have now fully exited mainstream media practice. Going forward, my engagement will be limited to consultancy and strategic support in media development and innovation. I will no longer serve as a host or reporter. The operations and programming of Alternative Youth Radio are now under the leadership of Amb Junior B. Kesselee working with the Board of Directors chaired by Dr. Kokulo Waiwaiku. A formal turnover ceremony is being planned, and details will be shared in due course.

This journey would not have been possible without the guidance, encouragement, and support of many individuals including, mentors, colleagues, leaders, partners, and friends. They are too numerous to fully capture here.

To all who walked this path with me, named and unnamed, I offer my sincere gratitude. I also thank our institutional partners, including New Narratives NAYMOTE-Liberia , Internews USAID, and others, and kindly ask for your continued support to AYR under its current leadership.

I leave mainstream journalism with appreciation, humility, and confidence in the next generation that will carry this work forward.

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Zorzor
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+231880037475

Website

http://www.ayrlib.com/

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Our Story

Alternative Youth Radio is a community youth media initiative established in 2016 to provide rural youth with access to information, hands-on media training, employment opportunities, and to serve as a platform where community members and other disadvantaged young people can tell their stories through community engagements, live talk shows, prerecorded programing and messaging.

AYR uses radio training and broadcast to initiate youth dialogue, community building and leadership enhancement.

Established in June 2016 by a 2019 US State Departments Mandela Washington Fellow, James Papy Kwabo, Jr., AYR is Liberia’s first community youth radio station located in Zorzor, Lofa County, which is using innovations and technology to transform youths and the communities in which it operates.

Being housed in its own building constructed by a group of community young people in Zorzor, the station is currently broadcasting on 98.9MHz providing coverage to major communities in Lofa, B**g, Nimba, Gbarpolu as well as parts of neighboring Guinea.

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