25/08/2025
Samuel Grimes Initiative for At-risk Youth celebrate Liberia Flag Day, under the theme: SUBSTANCE ABUSE PREVENTION
By:
Amb. Michael A. Johnson,
Executive Director
Samuel Grimes Initiative for At-Risk Youth
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Held On Monday during the Liberia August 24 Flay day Celebration in Kakata Margibi County with youth undergoing rehabilitation, parents educators, communities leaders, religious leaders, friends and elderly men and women who were moved to give their stories.
Good Afternoon, distinguished guests, parents, educators, community leaders, friends, and most importantly, our brave youth.
Today, as we raise and celebrate the flag of Liberia, we honor not just our nation, but the spirit of the 11 remarkable women who sowed the flag. Their courage, vision, and dedication remind us that each of us has a role in shaping the future of this country-especially in protecting our youth from the dangers of substance abuse.
Substance abuse is not just a personal issue; it is a national concern. Across Liberia and the region, studies show that nearly 1 in 5 young people between 15 and 24 have experimented with substances such as alcohol or cannabis. These substances do more than alter behavior-they steal dreams, disrupt families, and weaken communities.
I want to share a story with you. I recently met a young man named David, barely 19, who lost three years of his life to addiction. Today, he is working to rebuild his future, but he says the hardest part is regaining his parents trust and learning to dream again. David s story is not unique. Many of our youth are trapped in cycles of substance abuse because no one noticed their struggle early enough.
And there are girls too-like a 16-year-old I counseled, who started using substances to cope with stress at school. She almost lost her life to an overdose. Today, she is not only recovering but mentoring other young people, showing that prevention and support can save lives.
Parents, religious leaders, and community members, the power to prevent these tragedies lies with you. Research shows that children whose parents or guardians are actively involved in their lives are 40% less likely to fall into substance abuse. Your presence, guidance, and support can be the difference between a life lost and a life rebuilt.
Government leaders, we also call on you to strengthen policies that support youth rehabilitation, education, and empowerment. Every young Liberian deserves the chance to achieve their dreams without being shackled by addiction.
As we celebrate the flag today, let us also pledge to raise awareness, provide support, and protect the next generation. Let us celebrate women not only for sowing our flag, but for sowing hope, courage, and resilience in our youth.
Together, parents, communities, faith groups, and government, we can prevent substance abuse, empower survivors, and ensure that every young Liberian has a future filled with promise, not despair.
Many thanks to the Pentecostal Assembly of the World, Inc and the Las Fidelas Matrons for continuous support to rehabilitate and empower venerable youth at our facility.
Thank you, and may Liberia continue to soar high under the banner of hope, strength, and unity.
