Strengthening the Institution
Strengthening governance, systems, leadership, accountability and local YMCA structures for a stronger and more sustainable movement.
YMCA OF LIBERIA · 1881 — 2026
Our Story.
Our Legacy.
Our Future.
For 145 years, the YMCA of Liberia has grown alongside the Liberian people — through generations of change, national transformation, conflict, recovery, public-health crises and new opportunities for young people.
145
Years of Service
1881
Founded in Liberia
1926
Monrovia Expansion
2026
145th Anniversary
1881
Founded
in Liberia
in Liberia
WHO WE ARE
A Movement Rooted in People.
The YMCA of Liberia is a national youth and community development movement committed to uniting and empowering young people through self-development and service to their communities.
Since its establishment in 1881, the YMCA has evolved alongside Liberia and generations of Liberians. Our work continues to focus on helping young people discover their potential, develop practical skills, strengthen leadership capacity and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
We are part of the worldwide YMCA movement while remaining firmly connected to the realities, aspirations and opportunities of young people in Liberia.
Empowering Young People for the African Renaissance.
Our vision continues to guide our commitment to youth,
community and national development.
Our Beginning
1881
Harper, Maryland County
1926
YMCA comes
to Monrovia
to Monrovia
OUR BEGINNING
From Harper to a National Movement
The YMCA of Liberia was founded in 1881 by Bishop Samuel D. Ferguson while serving in Harper, Maryland County. The organization began its journey there before expanding its presence to Monrovia in 1926 through the work of James McCritty.
The move to Monrovia opened a new chapter in the growth of the YMCA in Liberia. Over time, the movement expanded its reach and developed relationships with communities, institutions and partners.
The YMCA's history is therefore a story of continuity and adaptation — remaining committed to young people while responding to the changing needs of society.
1881 — 2026
A Movement That Has Walked With Liberia
For 145 years, YMCA Liberia has existed through a changing Liberian Republic. The country's political, social and institutional landscape has transformed across generations, and the YMCA has continued to carry its mission forward.
1881
Where Our Journey Began
The YMCA of Liberia began in Harper, Maryland County, through the leadership of Bishop Samuel D. Ferguson. In 1926, the movement expanded to Monrovia through James McCritty.
From those beginnings, YMCA Liberia developed into a national movement focused on young people, personal development, community service and leadership.
More than a century later, that foundation remains relevant to a new generation of Liberians.
145
YEARS OF SERVICE
1881 — 2026
1881
THE BEGINNING
YMCA Liberia Is Founded
YMCA Liberia is founded in Harper, Maryland County, by Bishop Samuel D. Ferguson. The movement begins with a commitment to the development and wellbeing of young people.
1926
EXPANSION
The YMCA Comes to Monrovia
The YMCA expands its presence to Liberia's capital, Monrovia, through the work of James McCritty. This expansion strengthens the movement's national presence and creates a foundation for further growth.
ERA
A CHANGING REPUBLIC
Growing Through National Transformation
Over the decades, Liberia experienced significant political, social and institutional changes. National leadership changed, institutions evolved and successive generations faced different challenges and opportunities.
Through these changing times, YMCA Liberia continued to evolve its work around the needs of young people and communities.
1989
–
2003
–
2003
CONFLICT & RESILIENCE
Through Fourteen Years of Civil War
Liberia entered a devastating period of civil conflict in 1989. The country experienced two successive civil wars, with the conflict ending in 2003.
The wars disrupted communities, education, livelihoods, infrastructure and institutions, while displacing large numbers of Liberians and deeply affecting a generation of young people.
The end of conflict created a new national responsibility: rebuilding not only physical infrastructure, but also trust, opportunity, leadership and community life.
From conflict to rebuilding.
Liberia's recovery created new responsibilities
for institutions working with young people and
communities.
2003+
PEACE & REBUILDING
A New Chapter for Liberia
With the end of the civil conflict, Liberia entered a period focused on peacebuilding, institutional reconstruction and democratic renewal.
Young Liberians became increasingly important to the country's future — through education, leadership, skills development, civic participation and community engagement.
YMCA Liberia continued to see youth development and community strengthening as essential components of national progress.
2014
–
2016
–
2016
EBOLA EPIDEMIC
When Ebola Tested the Nation
In 2014, Liberia faced one of the most serious public health emergencies in its modern history when Ebola spread through communities across the country.
The crisis placed enormous pressure on families, schools, communities, health services and national institutions.
Ebola demonstrated the importance of public awareness, responsible behaviour, community cooperation, trusted leadership and resilience.
2020+
COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Adapting Through Another Global Crisis
As Liberia continued its development journey, the COVID-19 pandemic brought another extraordinary challenge to communities around the world.
Schools, organizations, families and young people had to adapt to new realities and new ways of communicating, learning, working and supporting one another.
The pandemic reinforced lessons that have remained important throughout the YMCA's history: resilience, adaptability, service and community.
2026
145 YEARS
Still Serving. Still Evolving. Still Empowering.
In 2026, YMCA Liberia celebrates 145 years of existence and service.
From Harper to Monrovia, from one generation to another, and through some of the most challenging periods in Liberia's history, the movement has continued to adapt while maintaining its commitment to young people and communities.
The next chapter is about strengthening the institution, expanding opportunities for young people and building stronger communities across Liberia.
1881 → 2026
A Legacy of Service.
A Legacy of Service.
A Future of Possibility.
Our history is not only about where we have been. It is about what Liberia's young people can build next. As Liberia continues to evolve, YMCA Liberia remains committed to empowering young people, strengthening communities and contributing to the African renaissance.
OUR PURPOSE
What Guides Our Work
Our mission and vision provide the foundation for how we understand our responsibility to young people, communities and the future of Liberia.
Our Mission
Unite & Empower
YMCA of Liberia is committed to uniting and empowering young people through self-development and service to their communities as an extension of the Kingdom of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Our Vision
African Renaissance
Empowering Young People for the African Renaissance.
WHAT WE STAND FOR
Our Values
Our values shape how we serve, how we work with people and how we contribute to the communities around us.
01
Responsibility
We take responsibility for our actions, commitments, communities and the people we serve.
02
Inclusion
We seek to create spaces where people can participate, contribute and develop their potential.
03
Integrity
We value honesty, accountability and ethical conduct in our relationships and institutional work.
04
Respect
We recognize the dignity, contribution and potential of every person.
WHAT WE DO
Turning Purpose Into Action
YMCA Liberia works through programs and partnerships designed to help young people develop skills, confidence, leadership capacity and opportunities to contribute to society.
Youth Empowerment
Creating opportunities for young people to develop confidence, leadership capacity, skills and a stronger sense of purpose.
Leadership Development
Supporting young people and communities to develop leadership skills and participate constructively in society.
Education & Learning
Promoting learning opportunities that support personal growth, knowledge, awareness and lifelong development.
Skills Development
Connecting young people with practical skills and opportunities that can contribute to personal and community development.
Community Development
Working with communities to strengthen participation, relationships, local leadership and opportunities for positive change.
Social Development
Supporting initiatives that strengthen social responsibility, participation, inclusion and community wellbeing.
OUR STRATEGIC DIRECTION
Building a Stronger YMCA for a Stronger Future
YMCA Liberia's strategic direction is centered on strengthening the institution, expanding opportunities for young people and building the resources required for sustainable impact.
01
Organizational Development
Strengthening governance, systems, structures, leadership, accountability and institutional capacity.
02
Youth Empowerment
Expanding opportunities for young people to learn, lead, participate, innovate and contribute to their communities.
03
Resource Mobilization
Building partnerships and mobilizing the resources needed to sustain and expand YMCA Liberia's work.
Madam Vonyee Newton Kolison
National General Secretary / Chief Executive Officer
LEADERSHIP
Leading the Movement Forward
National General Secretary & Chief Executive OfficerStrong institutions require leadership that can connect organizational purpose with the realities facing people and communities.
Under the leadership of Madam Vonyee Newton Kolison, YMCA Liberia continues its institutional journey with a focus on strengthening the organization, empowering young people and building partnerships that contribute to sustainable community development.
Leadership at YMCA Liberia is ultimately about ensuring that the movement remains relevant, accountable and responsive to the people it exists to serve.
Our leadership responsibility
To strengthen the YMCA today while preparing the
institution to serve future generations of young
Liberians.
YMCA LIBERIA TODAY
Our Reach Across Liberia
YMCA Liberia continues to work toward stronger connections between young people, local YMCAs, communities, partners and national structures.
—
Counties / Areas
Current organizational data
—
Local YMCAs
Current organizational data
—
Active Programs
Current organizational data
—
Young People Reached
Current organizational data
—
Communities Engaged
Current organizational data
—
Active Partnerships
Current organizational data
Current organizational figures will be updated as YMCA Liberia's reporting and data systems are connected to this platform.
OUR MOVEMENT
Local Roots. National Purpose. Global Connection.
YMCA Liberia is part of a global movement that connects young people and communities across countries and continents.
At the national level, our strength comes from the relationships between the national organization, local YMCAs, young people, volunteers, communities, partners and supporters.
- Strengthening local YMCA structures
- Creating opportunities for young people
- Building community partnerships
- Supporting leadership and service
- Connecting Liberia to the wider YMCA movement
LOOKING FORWARD
01 — STRONGER YMCA
02 — YOUTH EMPOWERMENT
03 — STRONGER COMMUNITIES
The Next Chapter Belongs to Young People.
LYMCA VISION 2031
Institutional strengthening for strategic youth empowerment in Liberia requires an organization that can learn from its history while preparing for the future. As YMCA Liberia moves beyond its 145th year, our focus is on using that legacy to create new opportunities for young people, strengthen communities and contribute to Liberia's continued development.
Empowering Young People
Expanding opportunities for young people to learn, lead, participate, innovate and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
Building Stronger Communities
Building partnerships and sustainable opportunities that connect young people, communities and the wider YMCA movement.
Empowering Young People. Strengthening Communities.
Using 145 years of experience to prepare the YMCA
for the generations ahead.
1881 — 2026
1881 — 2026
Empowering Young People.
Empowering Young People.
Strengthening Communities.
Our journey has lasted 145 years. Our responsibility is to ensure that the next generation has the opportunity to write an even stronger chapter.