GASD Takes National Step Toward Drug-Free Schools…Launch Substance Abuse Free Environment (SAFE) School-based Intervention Program

A wave of color, passion, and purpose swept through Broad Street on Friday morning as over 200 students and youth leaders marched from Snapper Hill to the YMCA Headquarters at Crown Hill in a vibrant awareness parade. The event signaled the official launch of the Substance Abuse Free Environment (SAFE) School-Based Intervention Program, Liberia’s first national, comprehensive, and evidence-driven school-centered drug prevention strategy.

Organized by the Global Action for Sustainable Development (GASD), the awareness parade kicked off the landmark event with banners, chants, and spirited student participation—an emphatic public call for safer, drug-free schools across Liberia. The launch not only drew students from participating schools but also welcomed key representatives from government ministries, civil society organizations, international NGOs, and the education sector.

Welcoming attendees to the official ceremony, Mr. Victor M. Paasewe, Program Officer at GASD, delivered a passionate statement highlighting the significance of the launch. “This is a historic step in our fight against the growing threat of drug abuse among our youth. The SAFE Program isn’t just a campaign—it is a commitment to protecting our children’s futures,” Paasewe said. He extended gratitude to the schools that have signed up for the initiative and underscored the importance of collective responsibility in sustaining the program.

Mr. Christopher Saah Bangaou, the SAFE Program Manager, provided an in-depth overview of the initiative, declaring the SAFE Program as a national movement tailored to Liberia’s unique realities. “This program is not just about awareness—it is about action, sustainability, and long-term transformation,” he noted.

Mr. Christopher Saah Bangaou, SAFE Program Manager

Bangaou elaborated that the SAFE Program is designed to publicly unveil Liberia’s first coordinated national rollout plan for school-centered drug prevention. He emphasized that the program showcases a well-defined strategy with clear goals, objectives, and measurable impact, while serving as a catalyst to foster collaboration and commitment from educational authorities, health institutions, youth organizations, and civil society actors across the country.

He further explained that the launch highlights the urgent need to confront youth substance abuse through structured, school-based interventions. The SAFE Program, he noted, addresses Liberia’s growing exposure to drug-related risks—particularly among young people—by introducing an institutionalized response within the school system. Unlike short-term awareness efforts, SAFE offers a research-driven, sustainable model rooted in Liberia’s context that builds resilience among students and seeks to shift school culture over time.

The program features an evidence-based prevention curriculum that is both age-appropriate and culturally relevant, focusing on life skills, decision-making, and drug resistance education. It also includes youth leadership development through the training of student leaders as SAFE Ambassadors who will spearhead peer education and outreach efforts. Furthermore, each school participating in the program will establish a Prevention Leadership Action Team (PLAT), made up of school staff, students, parents, and community stakeholders, to guide and support implementation. Baseline school surveys will be conducted to understand patterns of substance use among students and to help shape tailored interventions. Finally, the program introduces a standardized model school policy framework, enabling institutions to adopt consistent drug prevention policies in line with national education goals and global best practices.

Serving as the event’s Guest Speaker, Madam Joyce Kilikpo, Executive Director of the Public Health Initiative Liberia (PHIL), captivated the students with a motivating address. She emphasized the importance of staying drug-free and committed to education. “Your dreams are valid, your future is bright, but only if you protect yourselves from the dangers of drugs,” Kilikpo said, calling on students to become advocates for positive change in their schools and communities. She lauded GASD for pioneering an initiative that centers young people in the national prevention conversation.

Madam Joyce Kilikpo, Executive Director of the Public Health Initiative Liberia (PHIL),

She further emphasized that tackling drug abuse through early school engagement is one of the most effective strategies. “Prevention is most impactful when it starts young. Investing in school-based interventions means investing in a safer, healthier Liberia,” she said. Her remarks received loud applause from the audience, particularly the students who saw her as a relatable and inspiring figure.

Hon. Laraamand Nyonton, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Youth & Sports

Representing the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Deputy Minister for TVET Hon. Laraamand Nyonton pledged full ministerial support to the SAFE initiative. “This program aligns with the government’s youth development and public health priorities. We stand with GASD and all partners in ensuring our youth are not only educated but protected,” he said. He encouraged the students to embrace the opportunity presented by the SAFE Program, emphasizing the government’s ongoing commitment to tackling substance abuse at every level of society.

Mr. Varney T. Wilson, National Partnership Coordinator for SOS Liberia

Mr. Varney T. Wilson, National Partnership Coordinator for SOS Liberia, delivered a powerful message of encouragement. He praised GASD for taking bold steps in addressing youth drug use and advised students to become "ambassadors of change" in their communities. “You don’t need to wait to become a leader—you are leaders today. Embrace this program and lead the way,” he said. Wilson also highlighted the importance of mentorship and peer-led education, noting that students have the power to influence and transform their school environments.

Other prominent speakers included Mr. Rueben Bobby Logan, Executive Director of the Association of Progressive Youth of Liberia (APYL), who hailed the SAFE Program as a long-overdue intervention in Liberia’s school system. He emphasized the urgent need to equip young people with the tools to resist peer pressure and make informed decisions. “This program provides more than knowledge—it provides power. The power to say no, to make healthy choices, and to become role models,” Logan said.

Madam Mary W. Mulbah-Nyumah, President of the National Teacher’s Association of Liberia

Madam Mary W. Mulbah-Nyumah, President of the National Teacher’s Association of Liberia, applauded the inclusion of teachers in the SAFE Program framework. “Teachers are often the first line of defense in noticing behavioral changes in students. The SAFE Program gives us the resources and training to intervene meaningfully,” she remarked. She also stressed the need for ongoing support to ensure the program’s sustainability, calling on the Ministry of Education to formally integrate SAFE into the national school system.

Representatives from the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) and various civil society organizations (CSOs) also lent their voices in support of the initiative. LDEA officials praised the program’s emphasis on prevention rather than punishment, while CSO leaders committed to help raise awareness and monitor implementation. “The SAFE Program is a beacon of hope in our national response to drug abuse,” one speaker noted, calling it a "model that other nations in the region can replicate."

As the launch concluded, students signed pledges and committed to being champions of the SAFE Program in their respective schools. With support from key stakeholders and a solid implementation plan in place, the SAFE School-Based Intervention Program is poised to revolutionize how Liberia addresses youth substance abuse—one school at a time.

GASD, Partners Launches Community Participation Project with Two-Day Workshop to Tackle Drug Abuse in Liberia

The Global Action for Sustainable Development (GASD), in partnership with the Ministry of Health, the Liberia Council of Churches Youth Desk, and other key stakeholders, officially launched the Community Participation Project to Strengthen Drug Demand Reduction Intervention in Liberia. This groundbreaking initiative commenced with a two-day capacity-building workshop for over 30 community-based organizations (CBOs) from Montserrado County’s 17 districts, reaffirming a unified commitment to combat substance abuse at the grassroots level.

The project is designed to empower community structures with evidence-based strategies to tackle the challenges of substance abuse. Its primary goals include enhancing awareness, building the capacity of local organizations to implement prevention programs, and creating pathways for rehabilitation. By focusing on the grassroots, the initiative underscores the vital role of community engagement in fostering resilience, promoting social cohesion, and addressing the long-term behavioral impacts of drug abuse.

The first day of the workshop featured a series of compelling presentations by subject-matter experts. Mr. Lawrence Yealue, Country Representative of Accountability Lab Liberia, opened the session with a presentation on Community Participation and Public Accountability in Drug Law Enforcement. He emphasized the importance of fostering transparency and accountability within communities to strengthen drug enforcement efforts.

Media expert and former Press Union Secretary General D. Kaihenneh Sengbeh followed with an insightful presentation on the Importance of Effective Public Awareness Campaigns. He highlighted how strategic communication can drive behavioral change and mobilize communities toward sustained action. Human rights defender Adama Kiatamba Dempster delivered a thought-provoking session on a Human Rights-Based Approach to Drug Law Enforcement, emphasizing the balance between justice and compassion in addressing substance use disorders.

Aaron F. Debah, the substance use disorders (SUD) focus person at the Ministry of Health, brought his expertise to the fore with a session on Evidence-Based Strategies for Drug Demand Reduction. He shared actionable approaches rooted in global best practices. GASD’s own SUD Program Manager, Christopher Saah Bangaou, concluded the day with a detailed presentation on Understanding Drugs, equipping participants with a foundational understanding of substance use issues.

Lawrence Yealue, Country Rep ALab

The second day of the workshop maintained momentum, delving into critical topics that further prepared participants for action. Reverend Gerald Coleman, Liberia’s Peace Ambassador, addressed The Impact of Substance Abuse on Peace and Security, drawing attention to the broader societal consequences of drug abuse. His session sparked meaningful conversations on how community resilience can mitigate risks to peace.

Jacob Flomo, ED IPER

Jacob Flomo, Executive Director of the Institute for Policy Evaluation & Research, presented on Effective

Adama Kiatamba Dempster* Secretary General Civil Society Human Rights Advocacy Platform of Liberia

Data Collection Techniques and Survey Design, empowering participants with tools to gather and analyze information critical for informed decision-making. Joseph Cheayan, Executive Director of IDAD, rounded out the workshop with an engaging session on Strategic Policy Advocacy for Effective Drug Law Implementation, underscoring the importance of collective advocacy to influence policy reforms.

A key highlight of the workshop was the presentation and popularization of The Declaration of Oviedo, an international framework that promotes evidence-based strategies for substance abuse prevention. The declaration’s principles resonated deeply with participants, further galvanizing their commitment to address the drug abuse crisis with a unified and strategic approach.

Grassroots Empowerment for Lasting Impact.

This two-day workshop marked a significant milestone in Liberia’s efforts to combat substance abuse. The diversity and commitment of participants—representing over 30 organizations from Montserrado—demonstrated the inclusive nature of this initiative. Each session equipped attendees with practical skills and knowledge, preparing them to serve as catalysts for change within their communities.

The Community Participation Project aligns with GASD’s mission to address substance abuse through community-driven solutions. By focusing on capacity building, public awareness, and evidence-based practices, the project is setting the stage for sustainable interventions that address both the immediate and long-term impacts of substance abuse.

GASD extends its deepest gratitude to the facilitators for their expertise and to the participants for their active engagement. Their collaborative efforts have laid a strong foundation for implementing the project effectively. The dedication of all involved underscores the potential for collective action to create safer and healthier communities.

As the Community Participation Project moves forward, GASD remains committed to fostering partnerships, mobilizing resources, and supporting communities in their fight against substance abuse. This initiative represents a critical step toward achieving a drug-free Liberia, where individuals and communities can thrive.

The successful launch and workshop have set the tone for impactful change. GASD calls on government agencies, civil society organizations, and community leaders to join hands in this shared mission. Together, we can create environments that protect vulnerable populations, promote recovery, and build a brighter future for Liberia.

"Empty Promises: Unity Party Government Fails to Tackle Substance Abuse Crisis as Youths Suffer" Says GASD...

Monrovia— James Koryor, Executive Director of the Global Action for Sustainable Development (GASD), has voiced strong criticism against the Unity Party Government for its failure to adequately address substance abuse as a national public health emergency. In an exclusive interview, Koryor expressed deep concern over the government's fragmented approach to this pressing issue, highlighting the unfulfilled promises made by the President, H.E. Joseph N. Boakai during his first State of the Nation Address in January this year.

In his address, the President acknowledged the growing substance abuse problem in Liberia and declared it a national public health emergency. Yet, more than seven months later, little has been done to combat the scourge, Koryor argues. "The President campaigned on a platform of addressing the drug crisis, particularly among the youth, but we have not seen any tangible progress. This administration's inaction is not just a broken promise, it's a betrayal to the disadvantaged youths who are most affected," Koryor stated.

The GASD Executive Director also criticized the disjointed efforts in tackling the substance abuse problem, pointing to the lack of a comprehensive national strategy. "What we are seeing is a fragmented and uncoordinated response from various agencies. There’s no consolidated approach, and this is made worse by inadequate support through budgetary allocation in the national budget. Youth are left to suffer, and this is a complete disservice to the very people the government promised to protect," Koryor added.

Koryor was particularly critical of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), calling it ineffective in addressing the escalating drug crisis. He emphasized that the appointment of former officials, who have not brought any new ideas to the table, has further hampered efforts. "The LDEA has remained largely ineffective, and the government’s insistence on recycling old officials who lack the innovative strategies needed to combat drug trafficking and abuse shows a lack of seriousness in dealing with this national crisis," he said.

Despite these setbacks, GASD is determined to act. Koryor announced that the organization is planning a series of advocacy activities and capacity-building initiatives to address the substance abuse crisis. "We are mobilizing civil society organizations and communities to push for real solutions. One of our primary goals is to petition the Legislature for the establishment of a specialized, dedicated institution that will focus solely on substance abuse prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation," he revealed.

Koryor also highlighted GASD’s concern about the lack of transparency and accountability from the government regarding the President’s promise. "It has been over nine months since the declaration, and we are concerned about the absence of a clear roadmap or visible progress in the implementation of this critical initiative," he noted. GASD has called for urgent information on the status of the inter-ministerial task force chaired by the Ministry of Health, which was established to combat substance abuse. The organization also seeks to understand the challenges that may have impeded the implementation of the initiative.

Koryor stressed the need for civil society organizations (CSOs) to be integrated into the process and for their roles to be clearly defined. "We want to know how CSOs are being integrated into this process and what specific roles they are expected to play. If there is an existing implementation plan, we ask that the government share it so that we can better understand the framework and contribute effectively," Koryor urged.

In closing, Koryor called for mechanisms to track the implementation of the government's initiatives to ensure accountability and transparency. "This matter is too important to be neglected. The government must establish clear tracking mechanisms for their substance abuse intervention programs. Our organization, along with other CSOs, is ready to collaborate with the Ministry of Health in monitoring and evaluating the progress of these initiatives," he said.

GASD remains committed to working with the government and civil society partners to address this national crisis with the urgency and commitment it demands. However, Koryor’s message was clear: "The time for talk is over. We need action now, and we will not rest until the government fulfills its promise to tackle this crisis head-on."