As They’re Currently Undergoing Transformation And Rehabilitation
By Alfred Kollie, alfredkolliejr92@gmail.com
It was an emotional moment when the Executive Director of the African Youth and Women’s Initiatives, Mrs. Leelai M. Kpukuyou-Browne heard emotional testimonies from several disadvantaged youths who are currently undergoing transformation and rehabilitation at the Destiny Recovery Center on the Japanese Freeway near Monrovia.
They spoke of the desperate situation they were in prior to their enrollment into the program and how grateful they are with the ways their lives are gradually being transformed through the ongoing rehabilitation process.
The Destiny Recovery Center, which was established in 2018, with the sole purpose of transforming cross section of substance and illicit drug users, runs a six-month rehabilitation program every cycle. This aims at ensuring full recovery for substance users in order to reunite with their respective families and communities, Rev. Saway explained.
During a visit, Rev. Saway said the Center has trained, transformed, and graduated over two hundred persons who are making impact in the Liberian society in and outside of Liberia through different careers and TVET programs.
Speaking Saturday December 9, 2023 at the Destiny Recovery Center, the Executive Director of the African Youth and Women’s Initiatives (AYOWI), Mrs. Leelai M. Kpukuyou- Browne encouraged several disadvantaged youth who are currently at the Destiny Recovery Program not to allow their past to define their future as they go through the rehabilitation process.
Madam Kpukuyou-Browne challenged them that no matter the crimes and other negative activities committed in the past, they must be determined, willing, and courageous to change by resisting the temptation of going back.
”We have forgotten a part of our society that is connected to us and we must wake up, some of our Liberian children/youth future have many hurdles, they don’t remember who they are because they have been forgotten by everyone in society, the parents, community, society and policymakers. I feel that is a hope because of the administrator and funder of this program Rev. Jerry W. Saway who without any kind of extended support continues to support these children,” she emphasized.
She narrated that it is time that Liberians wake up to the reality saying that everyone has a role to play including the family, community, policymakers, government and the society at large.
She wants Liberians both at home and aboard, government and partners to support Rev. Saway with such a unique program by allotting or directing funds toward sustaining the program in the best interest of the country and its people.
In a motivational session of encouragement, she told the disadvantaged youth that they are the arch of their life but urged them to be willing for transformation through their minds, adding that “transformation starts from the mind’’.
The Liberian humanitarian however called on the disadvantaged youth to stay focused at the center noting that God has a special call on their life, as such, they should not allow people to judge them by their past but appeal to them to rise above the challenge and keep focus.
“Get to know yourself and know who you are. Look within yourself and tell yourself that you are worth it. I am proud of everyone here, your strength, passion to change, and commitment. Always use positive words on yourself. Words have power’’ she explained.
At the time, she called on Liberians to treat them with respect and mutual guidance by welcoming them back to their communities and showing them love.
The Executive Director of African Youth and Women’s Initiatives however stressed the need for the establishment of Technical and Vocational Training Centers for disadvantaged youth and move from conventional ways and hold seminars, national dialogue and programs on how to treat these young people.
She is at the same time recommending to the President Elect Ambassador Joseph Boakai and the National Legislature to support the Center and other organizations on such path through the national budget and other fiscal means based on the nationalistic and genuine patriotic duties the Density Recovery Center and other centers are providing for young people who’re under the influence of illicit drugs and other harmful substances.
She said such funds will help for the upkeep and sustainability of such programs across Liberia.
‘’ Do not remind them of their past, every single person has skeleton in their closets, and welcoming them home after the means a lot and remarkable.
Meanwhile, as part of her regular visit to several charity centers across Monrovia, Mrs Kpukuyou-Browne also visited REACH -Liberia headed by Mrs. Nesuah Beyan-Livingstone and she assisted with the feeding program of the Organization. Mrs. Livingston is also providing basic social services through her networks to scores of abandoned kids. At the feeding program, Mrs. Browne reminded the kids of her continuous love and support to the program.
In remarks, Rev. Saway, thanked Mrs. Kpukuyou-Browne for her visit and continued support to young people in Liberia describing her as a great woman.
He also joined Madam Kpukuyou-Browne in sending a clarion call to the national legislature to place the Center in the National Budget to help cater to the needs of the disadvantaged youth currently going through transformation and rehabilitation.
Over hundred and fifty young Liberian disadvantaged youth are currently at the center undergoing rehabilitation with several expected to graduate in January of 2024.