On a sunny Saturday morning in Gbarnga, the capital of Bong County, more than 47 adolescent girls gathered in a humble community hall, their faces lit with curiosity, hope, and determination. These girls, drawn from six high schools across the area, came together not for a celebration or exam—but for a life-changing opportunity to be informed, empowered, and inspired.
The atmosphere was vibrant with energy as facilitators and guest speakers prepared to address some of the most pressing challenges affecting young women in Liberia today. With high rates of teenage pregnancy, substance abuse, and school dropouts threatening the future of many girls, this one-day intensive workshop—organized by Kathy Justice Girls Educational Liberia—offered more than just lectures. It was a safe space for truth-telling, learning, and healing.
The workshop, spearheaded by a dedicated local NGO committed to youth and girls’ empowerment, 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 youth 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. Pastor Kollie called on community leaders, parents, and schools to take proactive steps in combating the crisis.
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 session, led by a gender specialist, 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 gender expert explained.
The Co-Founder and Executive Director of the organization, Mr. Thomas Malord Saydee, who returned from China to facilitate the program, told journalists after the training that the initiative is part of the organization’s vision to empower Liberian girls to become productive citizens.
“We want to break the chain of poverty and abuse through education, awareness, and career guidance. Girls must know their worth and make decisions that secure their future,” Mr. Saydee stated.
The event also featured 15 young American youth missionaries from Christ for the Nations, who are in Liberia on an evangelical tour to spread the gospel and support youth empowerment activities.
Established in 2021, Kathy Justice Girls Educational Liberia has been actively involved in promoting sex education, career development, and youth leadership.
The organization continues to host mentorship and educational programs for girls in both urban and rural communities.
Students were drawn from six high schools in Gbarnga, including: St. Martin Catholic High School, Williams V.S. Tubman Gray High School, Sumo Moye Memorial High School, Can-Leadership Institute (formerly Triple A), and others.
Participants described the training as “life-changing.” Student Marline Nuo-Duke, from Sumo Moye Memorial High School, praised the organization for its commitment to girl-child education.
“This workshop opened our minds. We now know the dangers of peer pressure and how to avoid early pregnancy,” she said.
The girls pledged to become ambassadors of change in their schools and communities, promising to share the knowledge gained with their peers.
They also encouraged their friends to avoid early marriage and unprotected sex, emphasizing the importance of education and self-discipline.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 12 million girls aged 15–19 years and at least 777,000 girls under 15 years give birth each year in developing regions.
Teenage mothers face higher risks of complications during pregnancy and childbirth, with their babies more likely to suffer from low birth weight and long-term health issues.
The UNODC World Drug Report 2023 revealed that 296 million people used drugs globally in 2021 — a 23% increase over the previous decade, with youth and women among the fastest-growing groups.
The workshop organized by Kathy Justice Girls Educational Liberia was not just an event but a transformative platform for young girls to learn, reflect, and take action.
The organization has called on the Liberian government, international donors, schools, and parents to support similar programs across the country. Investing in girls is not only a moral imperative but also a strategic path to national development.
