By: Josiah Pailay, Contributing Writer.
Gbarnga, Bong County — Kathy Justice Girls Educational Liberia, a local NGO dedicated to youth and girls’ empowerment, has successfully concluded a one-day intensive sensitization seminar in Gbarnga, bringing together more than 47 young girls from six high schools to address critical issues affecting adolescent girls in Liberia.
The sensitization gathering focused on key themes such as peer pressure, teenage pregnancy, drug abuse, and career development, with the aim of fostering resilience, awareness, and responsible decision-making among young girls.
One of the highlights of the training was a powerful presentation on drug abuse by Pastor A. Dakermue Kollie, who stressed the alarming increase in substance abuse among youths in Liberia.
He noted that drug abuse is especially damaging to young girls, exposing them to exploitation, mental health issues, and derailing their academic futures.
According to the UNODC (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime), drug use globally has risen by 22% over the past decade. In Liberia, anecdotal reports suggest an increasing trend in youth drug addiction, especially in urban areas, where “Kush” and other synthetic drugs are becoming rampant among teenagers.Another addressed teenage pregnancy, a widespread issue in Liberia.
According to UNICEF, 3 in 10 girls in Liberia give birth before the age of 18, with many dropping out of school due to stigma, poverty, or lack of family support.
Participants were told that early childbearing contributes significantly to the cycle of poverty in Liberia.
“When girls give birth at a young age, they are more likely to leave school, limiting their employment opportunities and exposing them to lifelong economic hardship,” the facilitator explained.
For their part, Participants described the daylong event as “life-changing.” participant Marline Nuo-Duke, praised the organization for its commitment to girls education.
“This workshop opened our minds. We now know the dangers of peer pressure” she stated. “We will make use of the knowledge acquired to better our lives”.
Established in 2021, Kathy Justice Girls Educational Liberia has been actively involved with promoting sex education, career development, and youth leadership.
