Liberia: MANCO Provides US$25K to Rehabilitate At-Risk Youth 

Manco Manufacturing Company (MANCO ), has provided a cheque of US$25k toward the country's at-risk Youth (ARY) rehabilitation program which seeks to address the plight of vulnerable Liberian youths. 

Assad Fadel, general manager of the company made the contribution on June 5, when he officially handed over the cheque to the Government through the Ministry of Youth and Sports, represented by its minister, D. Zeogar Wilson.

The contribution comes following the national fundraising for the ARY rehabilitation and empowerment program launched by President George Weah. The Weah Administration aims to raise US$13.9M to help rehabilitate disadvantaged youths over the next ten years.

Weah recently launched the program at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex in Congo Town, outside Monrovia to rally Liberians and the general public to support the rehabilitation of young people whose lives have been affected by the Liberian civil crisis.

The 14-years civil war has adversely affected the lives of many young people leaving them lacking basic education and employment opportunities. It is reported that many young people have become addicted to drugs, a serious challenge that is now facing the nation.

Fadel, general manager of MANCO said his company was delighted to join the government in addressing the plight of the youths.

“Once the at-risk youth are the focal point of the program, we are pleased and committed to supporting the government’s efforts to make sure that they are transformed,” he told Wilson when he presented the cheque.

The problem that affects the youths, Fadel, said, "Seriously, this money is only a small part of the solution."  He said there is a need for members of the religious community, businesses, corporate entities, and the diaspora to support the government’s at-risk youth rehabilitation drive.

“Today, I call on all the imams, pastors, community leaders, the diaspora to join the government and reach out to help our young people overcome the trials and tribulation they have experienced as the result of the war,” he said. 

Fadel mentioned that the contribution of his company will help give hope to disadvantaged youth.

"Today is the time we need to help the youth. They are the future leaders of this country. We should not neglect them now. If we fail, they will ruin their lives which will affect the country,” he maintained.

Fadel praised the government of Liberia for the vision to rehabilitate- at-risk youths from various ghettos in Montserrado.  He said, "For all who know me, I am not here searching for praises. I just want to share with you the story so far of my journey..there are millions of stories like mine all across the world. 

"But my journey is not over by any means. We will keep fighting with all of our might to educate our children that Drugs are bad,” he said.

He vowed that his company is prepared to employ those at-risk youths who will graduate from the rehabilitation program. According to him, they are planning to work with the Ministry of Youth and Sports to help the young people of the country.

According to Fadel, the name Zogos which most Liberians term to call disadvantaged youth can be changed to a better one provided more youths are rehabilitated to become productive citizens.

He said that the doors of his company remain open to help the Ministry of Youth and Sports in helping to develop the minds of the at-risk youth in Liberia. Manco remains prepared to sponsor those at-risk youth that will graduate from the rehabilitation program at any university in Liberia.