Liberia: Brain Lights International Advocates for Spiritual and Holistic Approaches to Eradicate Drug Addiction

Monrovia – Brain Lights International, a non-profit Christian organization dedicated to catalyzing positive change among Liberia’s youth, is advocating for a spiritual and holistic approach to eradicating drug addiction in Liberia. The organization’s Executive Director, Pastor Kelvin Volar, emphasized this approach during the official launch of the organization in Paynesville.

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By Francis G. Boayue

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Brain Lights International aims to empower Liberia’s youth with faith-based values, preparing them to lead purposeful lives and motivate impactful change in their communities, guided by the light of Christ. Speaking at the launch, Pastor Volar highlighted the organization’s mission to address the barrage of societal problems faced by Liberia’s youth through the word of God.

“Our mission is to see a society that can empower young people with a strong moral foundation and practical skills, helping to shape a better future for all. We have decided to take the lead in this through a comprehensive training and mentorship program,” said Pastor Kelvin Volar.

He outlined the organization’s focus on three thematic areas: drug abuse and addiction, early exposure to sex and teenage pregnancy, prostitution, and corruption. “Being aware of how vulnerable young people are, one of the key pillars of this institution is to instill godliness into our youth, empowering them with faith-based values that will make them inspirational leaders to drive meaningful transformation and sustainable development,” Pastor Volar added.

He emphasized that Liberia’s problems do not solely lie in public leadership, stressing that the church has a significant role to play, and noted that many of Liberia’s public leaders do not fear God.

Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency Deputy Director for Leeward, Precious Rue, highlighted the importance of a collective approach in tackling drug and other societal issues. She praised Brain Lights International for its initiative to address these challenges, noting that it will complement the efforts of the LDEA in combating drugs.

“I extol BLI. If we have more organizations in schools, communities, and churches talking about drug and substance abuse, we will see a reduction in drug intake,” Rue said. She emphasized that combating the national drug pandemic requires collective efforts and underscored the crucial roles of religious leaders. “The future of Liberia is at risk with the involvement of youths in drug addiction. To our pastors, teachers, and imams, please use five minutes before your respective sermons and prayers to talk about drug prevention and how we can collectively combat it,” Rue admonished.

Intercontinental Youth Pastor Blemina Obunge also spoke at the event, highlighting the spiritual importance of raising children with strong values to build a better foundation for the nation. He praised BLI for leading the effort in shaping the future of young people through spiritual impartation.

The launch, held at the Samuel K. Doe Sports Complex, brought together civil society organizations, religious leaders, and community-based organizations to champion the fight against drugs, early exposure to sex, teenage pregnancy, prostitution, and corruption.