In May 2025, Kathy Justice Girls Educational Liberia, a youth-centered non-profit organization, orchestrated a powerful one-day workshop in Gbarnga, Bong County, Liberia, aimed at empowering adolescent girls. The workshop, themed “Empowered Girls, Stronger Futures,” brought together 47 high school girls from six different schools to address critical challenges facing young women in Liberian society, including peer pressure, teenage pregnancy, drug abuse, and career development. The organizers aimed to equip the participants with the knowledge, confidence, and leadership skills necessary to make informed decisions and shape their futures positively. The event underscored the vital role of education, awareness, and mentorship in breaking cycles of poverty and fostering a new generation of female leaders.
A central focus of the workshop was the escalating problem of drug abuse among Liberian youth. Pastor A. Dakermue Kollie delivered a compelling presentation on the dangers of substance abuse, highlighting the increased vulnerability of young girls to sexual exploitation, mental health issues, and school dropout. He emphasized the urgency of collective action, urging parents, schools, and communities to collaborate in combating this growing menace. Pastor Kollie’s warning resonated with global statistics from the UNODC, which reveal a significant rise in drug use worldwide, including the increasing prevalence of substances like “Kush” among Liberian teenagers.
The workshop also tackled the pervasive issue of teenage pregnancy, a significant obstacle to girls’ education and socioeconomic advancement in Liberia. A gender specialist emphasized the devastating consequences of early motherhood, often leading to truncated education, poverty, and limited opportunities. UNICEF data underscores the gravity of the situation, indicating that a substantial proportion of Liberian girls give birth before reaching adulthood. The workshop aimed to empower girls to avoid early pregnancy, enabling them to pursue their education and achieve their full potential.
Thomas Malord Saydee, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Kathy Justice Girls Educational Liberia, spearheaded the event, having recently returned from China. He emphasized the organization’s commitment to empowering girls and breaking cycles of poverty through education, awareness, and mentorship. He highlighted the crucial role of such initiatives in fostering a brighter future for Liberia, emphasizing the importance of investing in girls’ education and well-being. The workshop also benefited from the participation of 15 visiting youth missionaries from Christ for the Nations, an American evangelical organization, who contributed to the program’s focus on youth development and educational empowerment.
The workshop resonated deeply with the participating girls, who represented various educational institutions, including St. Martin Catholic High School, Williams V.S. Tubman Gray High School, Sumo Moye Memorial High School, and Can-Leadership Institute. Many described the experience as transformative, expressing newfound awareness of the dangers they face and the importance of making responsible choices. Marline Nuo-Duke, a student from Sumo Moye Memorial High School, described the workshop as “eye-opening,” highlighting its impact on her understanding of peer pressure and early pregnancy. The girls concluded the workshop with a commitment to becoming agents of change in their schools and communities, pledging to share their knowledge and encourage their peers to prioritize education, avoid early marriage, and reject risky behaviors.
The workshop’s focus on empowering adolescent girls aligns with broader global health concerns. The World Health Organization reports alarmingly high rates of teenage pregnancies in developing countries, often resulting in life-threatening complications and long-term health issues. Similarly, the UNODC’s World Drug Report highlights the growing impact of drug abuse on youth and women globally. Kathy Justice Girls Educational Liberia, established in 2021, has a strong track record of promoting sex education, career guidance, and youth leadership in both urban and rural communities. The organization has called for increased support from the Liberian government, schools, international donors, and parents to expand such initiatives, recognizing that investing in girls is not only a moral imperative but also a strategic investment in Liberia’s future. The workshop served as a powerful example of the positive impact that focused interventions can have on empowering young women and equipping them to navigate the challenges they face.
The workshop’s comprehensive approach addressed interconnected issues affecting adolescent girls, including peer pressure, teenage pregnancy, drug abuse, and career development. By providing a safe space for open dialogue and information sharing, the workshop empowered the participants to make informed decisions and advocate for their own well-being. The involvement of religious leaders, gender specialists, and international youth missionaries added diverse perspectives and enriched the learning experience. The girls’ commitment to sharing their newfound knowledge with their peers demonstrated the ripple effect of such programs, extending their impact beyond the immediate participants.
Kathy Justice Girls Educational Liberia’s work exemplifies the crucial role of non-profit organizations in addressing critical social issues and empowering vulnerable populations. The organization’s focus on girls’ education and empowerment aligns with global development goals aimed at promoting gender equality and ensuring access to quality education for all. The workshop’s emphasis on prevention, awareness, and community engagement highlights the importance of holistic approaches to tackling complex challenges. The participation of international partners further underscores the potential for collaboration and knowledge sharing in addressing global issues affecting young people.
The workshop’s success underscores the need for continued investment in programs that address the specific needs of adolescent girls. By providing them with the knowledge, skills, and support they need to thrive, such initiatives can contribute significantly to building a brighter future for Liberia and other developing countries. The girls’ enthusiastic engagement and commitment to becoming agents of change demonstrate the power of empowering young people to take ownership of their lives and contribute to their communities. The workshop stands as a testament to the transformative potential of education, mentorship, and community support in creating a more equitable and prosperous future for all.
The collaboration between Kathy Justice Girls Educational Liberia, local schools, religious leaders, gender specialists, and international partners created a synergistic approach to addressing the complex challenges faced by adolescent girls. This collaborative model demonstrates the effectiveness of bringing together diverse stakeholders to share expertise and resources. The workshop’s focus on a holistic approach, addressing not only immediate concerns but also long-term goals such as career development, ensured that participants were equipped with the skills and confidence to navigate their future paths successfully. The testimonials from the participating girls highlighted the profound impact of the workshop on their self-esteem, awareness, and sense of agency.
The workshop’s outcomes align with international development priorities, including Sustainable Development Goal 5, which aims to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. By providing girls with the tools and resources to make informed decisions about their lives, the workshop contributed to breaking down barriers to education, health, and economic opportunity. The focus on preventing teenage pregnancy and drug abuse also aligns with global health objectives aimed at improving maternal and child health and reducing the harmful consequences of substance abuse. The workshop’s success serves as a model for other organizations seeking to empower adolescent girls and promote positive change in their communities.
The long-term impact of the workshop will be seen in the lives of the participating girls as they become empowered to make positive choices, pursue their education, and become leaders in their communities. The ripple effect of their influence will extend to their families, peers, and future generations. By investing in girls’ education and empowerment, Kathy Justice Girls Educational Liberia is contributing to a brighter future for Liberia, one where girls have equal opportunities to thrive and fulfil their potential. The workshop stands as a powerful example of the transformative power of education and community support in creating a more just and equitable world.
