Gardnersville – Amid Liberia’s escalating drug crisis, the Gardnersville Youth Alliance (GYA) is stepping up to protect the country’s future by empowering young people to resist the pull of substance abuse.
Christian Williams, Executive Director of GYA and a registered nurse from Gardnersville, along with local youth leaders, joined forces with the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) over the weekend to launch a bold initiative aimed at safeguarding Liberia’s youth.
The campaign, which was launched on November 1, 2024, is driven by Williams’ personal experience and his unwavering commitment to preventing others from falling into the same trap. Titled the “Say No to Drugs” Anti-Substance Abuse Campaign, the initiative has garnered support from the GYA, LDEA, and the local township administration.
“Our mission is simple,” Williams said during a recent visit to Joel Preparatory High School. “We want every student here to know they have the strength to say no to drugs and to make choices that will keep them healthy and free.”
The campaign’s goal is to visit every high school in the Gardnersville area, delivering a message about the dangers of drug use and offering students the knowledge and support needed to reject it.
William’s dedication to this cause is deeply personal. His advocacy began with the tragic experience of a childhood friend, Zuma (a pseudonym), who struggled with drug addiction. The two were close throughout their school years at Joel Preparatory High School, sharing dreams for the future.
The “Say No to Drugs” campaign kicked off with visits to Joel Preparatory High School, Kulah Memorial Academy, Liberia Dujar High School, and Jimmy Jolocon High School. These visits are not just lectures but transformative experiences. They include educational presentations from LDEA officers and health professionals, offering students critical insights into the physical and mental impacts of drug use, the legal consequences of substance abuse, and practical strategies for resisting peer pressure.
Students are encouraged to share what they’ve learned with their families and friends, fostering a culture of accountability and support.
One student, Ibrahim Sessay, a senior at Kulah Memorial Academy, shared his thoughts on the campaign: “I feel encouraged. They talked to us about the harmful effects of drugs and how they destroy lives. I want to educate my friends and community about staying away from drugs too.”
As the campaign expands, GYA and its partners are working to extend their outreach beyond schools to include local churches, youth organizations, and family counseling sessions.
Christian Williams has a vision: he hopes Gardnersville can set an example for other communities across Liberia, sparking a nationwide ripple effect in which parents, community leaders, and businesses join forces to build a network of prevention and support.
A Growing Crisis
Drug use has not always been a major issue in Liberia, but the situation has worsened over the past few decades, particularly since the country’s civil wars (1989-2003). During the conflict, drugs were often used as a method of control, with combatants using substances to desensitize themselves to violence. After the wars ended, these drugs remained in circulation, leading to widespread addiction, particularly among young people.
As Liberia’s economy struggled in the post-war years, many young people turned to drugs as an escape from the hardships of unemployment, poverty, and a lack of opportunities. Substances like marijuana, tramadol, and cocaine became increasingly accessible, especially in impoverished areas. Traffickers targeted vulnerable youth, who lacked the support systems to resist the allure of drugs.
The impact of this epidemic has been devastating: rising addiction rates have led to school dropouts, broken families, and increased crime. Many young people fall into cycles of addiction, often turning to theft and criminal activities to fund their habits. It is estimated that thousands of Liberian youths are now dependent on various substances, undermining the country’s future potential.
A Call for Change
Campaigns like the one led by Christian Williams are desperately needed to address this crisis. Through education, prevention, and community engagement, the “Say No to Drugs” initiative is working to halt the spread of addiction and create a future where Liberia’s young people can pursue their dreams without the weight of substance abuse holding them back.
By engaging with high school students and involving local leaders, Williams and his team are building a foundation of support that will help Liberia’s youth rise above the crisis and contribute to a stronger, healthier nation.
