Addressing Issues Related to Drug use, Empowerment, and Education
River Gee County – One River Gee Youth, a group of youth organisations in River Gee County, has requested assistance from the Ministry of Youth and Sports over significant issues affecting local youth. In their petition, the youths expressed their disappointment about being overlooked by the government, even though they want to contribute to the development of the country.
They stated that the county’s only technical and vocational schools are in poor condition. Students frequently travel far to attend classes in inadequately furnished facilities. According to the petition, many schools lack cutting-edge resources and instructional strategies that would equip students for today’s workforce.
“We are being taught with outdated materials that do not prepare us for the world,” the group said.
The young people also voiced concerns about rising drug use, particularly with regard to a narcotic called locally as “Kush.” They emphasised how difficult it is for people battling addiction to receive support because the area lacks rehabilitation facilities.
“This crisis is harming the future of our peers,” they warned.
The youth feel cut off from government initiatives that support young people in starting businesses, even though they possess expertise. They argue that this exclusion has contributed to the county’s high unemployment rate and youth dissatisfaction. Additionally, the petition noted the poor state of juvenile facilities.
Both the sports stadium and the youth center are devoid of fundamental recreational amenities.
The group offered a number of recommendations, such as incorporating River Gee young people into national initiatives, modernizing school curricula, offering student transportation, and improving the youth center.
They also proposed a multifunctional youth complex for sports, cultural events, and skill development as well as a drug rehabilitation facility. The young people are committed to improving their neighborhood in spite of the obstacles they maintained.
“We want to be the generation that improves River Gee and help Liberia move forward,” they declared.
Their petition received support from local student and civil society organizations, including the Association of River Gee Students and the River Gee Student Union.
In response, Minister of Youth and Sports Cornelia Wonkerler Kruah praised the petition and acknowledged the urgency of the issues raised. She promised that the Ministry will take care of some of the problems as soon as she got back to Monrovia.
“Your petition shows a real need for change. We have already heard some of these issues from our county coordinator,” Minister Kruah said.
During her recent visit to River Gee County, she toured schools and youth facilities, noting the poor conditions.
Reported by: Nathaniel G. Natty, II
Correspondent, River Gee County
