Dozens of At-Risk Youths Voluntarily Turned themselves in for Detoxification, Others
By: Lazota Bility
Liberia: One Hundred and Five (105) at-risk Youths have voluntarily turned themselves in to the government of Liberia for detoxification and rehabilitation.
The action by the youths was triggered by the government of Liberia through the National Steering Committee for the At-Risk Youths program recruitment and subsequent rehabilitation program of youths using drugs.
The voluntary recruitment process began on Monday August 21, 2023.
During a Ministry of Information regular press briefing, Deputy Deputy Information Minister Jarlawah A.Tonpo, disclosed that the youths voluntarily came from the Pelham Building- on Center Street, and around the Invincible Park communities in Sinkor.
Jalawah further stated that of the 105 At-Risk-Youth registered, 88 of them are males while 17 are females.
Of the 88 males, so far, 38 were taken to ES Grant Memorial Hospital in Duport Road to stay for the period of 2 weeks for Detoxification before transferring them for rehabilitation. The other 50 males were sent to Star Base on the Bushrod Island for Detoxification and Rehabilitation.
The minister added that the youths will remain there for the period between three and six (3-6) months depending on their levels of recovery.
Similarly, the 17 Females At-Risk-Youth documented and sent to Mother Rescue Center for Detoxification and subsequent rehabilitation will also remain at the center for the period of three to six (3-6) months as well.
At the start of the recruitment, Youth and Sports Minister D. Zeogar Wilson, who is the National Chairman for the Steering Committee said the move is in fulfilment of the government commitment to rehabilitate At-Risk Youth from the streets.
Minister Wilson described the start of the At-Risk Youth program as a boost intended to Detoxify and reunite the young people with society and make them more productive citizens.
He lauded President George Weah and the United Nations for their support toward the At-Risk Youth program.
It can be recalled that on June 30, 2022, the Government of Liberia in collaboration with One UN system in Liberia launched the At-Risk Youth program intended to address, tackle and take youthful Liberians who are addicted to drugs from the streets.
