By: Contributing Writer
Monrovia – The Executive Director of Let’s Boost Education, a small nonprofit organization dedicated to combating drug abuse in Liberia, has described disadvantaged youths, affectionately called “Zogoes” across the country, as Liberia’s greatest asset. According to her, they hold unprecedented potential for positive transformation in nation-building when given proper attention.
Madam Zephenus Michelle Baker made this statement at a recent event in Monrovia, which aimed to highlight the ongoing fight against substance abuse. The event symbolized a hopeful farewell to the struggles associated with drug addiction in 2024 and a renewed commitment to fostering a healthier, drug-free community.
“The people we call Zogoes are great assets to Liberia when they are given attention. These are individuals with immense untapped potential. When Liberia invests in rehabilitating and training these young men and women, the nation will see a reduction in crime rates and experience unprecedented growth in development, infrastructure, and agriculture,” said Baker.
She emphasized the importance of collective action in combating drug abuse. “We need the support of our government and international partners to effectively tackle this issue. Our organization alone cannot do it. Together, we can create a safer environment for our youth and ensure a brighter future for Liberia,” she stated.
During the event, Baker also outlined the organization’s plans for 2025 and the challenges they face in their mission to help disadvantaged youths. She discussed the need for more resources and support to successfully rehabilitate and reintegrate these young individuals into society. “Taking youths off the streets is only the first step. We need sustainable programs that provide education, vocational training, and psychological support to ensure they have a better chance at life,” Baker explained.
Sharing their experiences, Matthew Richard, a young disadvantaged youth, spoke about how he got involved in drugs due to peer pressure and poor parental care.
“I came into this life because of peer pressure. However, as it stands, I am ready to leave drugs and join the fight to encourage many of my colleagues to do the same if the government can help rehabilitate us. All I need from you today is to take me and my friends to the rehab home, flush this from our blood, and bring us back to society. We are tired of this and we are dying,” he noted.
According to him, the only way they can survive and support their habit is by stealing and harassing peaceful citizens, something he confessed to be wrong but felt was the only means of survival.
Marie Johnson, who claims to be a graduate of the University of Liberia five years ago, shared her distressing story. “The only way we have to survive is by sleeping with multiple men on the street for little or nothing just to support ourselves. I am really tired of this life. My colleagues and I survive by selling our bodies. We don’t like it, but what can we do? Sometimes, the men even beat us and take our money after having sex with us. This is very bad, but we have to still be there because nobody wants to identify with us. Therefore, we thank Let’s Boost Education for always coming to us with food and other things,” she added.
Meanwhile, the initiative, which targets and seeks to rehabilitate hundreds of disadvantaged youths across the country to give them hope for the future and contribute to nation-building, concluded with a call to action for all stakeholders to unite in the fight against substance abuse.
