Liberia: ‘A Significant First Step’

President George Weah has expressed delight over the detoxification and rehabilitation of some 35 at-risk youth who are being rehabilitated at the Detoxification and Rehabilitation Center located on the Robertsfield Highway. The program is an initiative of the government of Liberia.

Speaking Wednesday at the ceremony marking the first transitioning-phase of the at-risk youth from the Detox Center, the President said he is glad that the young people are being transformed in order to return to normal life.

The beneficiaries, after being detoxed, attend various training programs initiated by the government as a way of providing some skills in order to create livelihoods for themselves.

“They were put through an effective detoxification program.  They were made to attend various training programs that would give them some basic skill sets. And here they are before you today, proud graduates of this First Transition Program, who have been made ready to return to normal life with confidence, assurance,” he said. “They can now claim their rightful and respected place in our Civil Society.”  

The President described the first graduation exercise as a significant step forward toward the transformation of Liberian young people.

“This is a significant first step because it is proof that we can make a significant change in their lives and livelihoods if only we can combine political will with passion, and apply it with compassion,” the President said.

Some of them, whose teeth got damaged when they were living vulnerable in the streets, were given new ones at the rehab center.

The programs at the Boys’ Town Rehab Center, according to the government, are designed to re-orientate, rehabilitate, and build their capacities over the long term, through skills-based vocational training, as well as economic empowerment through jobs and business opportunities. 

At-Risk Youth are young people whose chances to transition as adults in Liberian society were hindered as a result of addiction to illegal substances, especially drugs and alcohol. These addictions, many believe, are ripple effects of the country’s 14-year civil war.

The number of at-risk youths is ever increasing with many indulging in drug abuse and criminal activities.

Since the end of the war, much has yet to be done to provide opportunities  for the young people despite being seen and tagged by national stakeholders and successive governments as future leaders. 

Last year, the government launched a National Fund Drive for the Rehabilitation and Empowerment of vulnerable youth. 

The initiative, under the theme, “Reclaiming Our Youth For A Better Liberia,” was intended to raise approximately US$13.9 million in order to start a robust rehab program that will take many of the at-risk youth from the streets. However, much has not been heard since the launch. 

President Weah said his government has made an initial contribution of US$1M to kick-off the Fund Drive, and it intends to commit an additional US$2M million this year’s budget to support this program.” 

President Weah said the rehab of the first batch of beneficiaries is a manifestation of the seriousness that he attaches to this program and a demonstration of his personal commitment to rehabilitate these young people, and fast-track their return to society as productive citizens.

“Funds are being raised under the Fund Drive, and other facilities are now being prepared to deal with the vast majority of these At-Risk youths, which some estimates suggest number more than 130,000,” Weah said.

He urged the young people to keep their heads up and make Liberia proud following months of training, completing their first transition into normal life. He also extended heartfelt best wishes to them on their transition to a new and productive life.  

“Go forth from this program with your heads held high, and make Liberia proud of you,” Weah said.

The beneficiaries, who were residents of Old Road and other surrounding communities, were recruited by the President during one of his regular visits to the Invincible Sports Park in Sinkor when he encountered a throng of them hanging about in a deplorable state of living condition.

“I made a visit to the Invincible Park one day and saw many of them hanging around the park,” President Weah reflected on the fateful encounter," he said.

“Many of them were not in the best of health. Many of them had problems with their teeth, their eyes, and other illnesses. I was so moved by their plight that I collected all of them that day and sent them here to be taken care of," Weah noted.  

“Today, during this Program, you have seen the very positive results of this initiative,” the Chief Executive said rather proudly. “They were given appropriate medical care, including the necessary dental and eye treatments.” 

He said as a Government, “we have made an initial contribution of US$1m to kick-start the Fund Drive, and we intend to provide an additional Two Million United States Dollars to be appropriated within this year’s budget to support this program.” 

“As a youthful leader of this country,” the President said “it should come as no surprise to anyone that I hold young Liberians very dear and very close to my heart.  Today, we are seeing the first step in a journey of a thousand miles.”

Weah renewed his commitment to improving the lives of the young people of Liberia, “all of them, not just the youths that are at risk”.