A one-day dialogue forum for at-risk youth, organized by the Taskforce for At-Risk of the Liberia Annual Conference (LAC) of the United Methodist Church (UMC), has ended.
The dialogue took place at the Embassy Suite Hotel, Mamba Point, on July 27, 2022.
Speaking at the forum, LAC Presiding Bishop, Dr. Samuel J. Quire, told religious leaders, particularly the Christian community, that the forum was designed to solicit views from church leaders on how the Christian community can buttress the government’s effort in addressing the growing problem of “zogoes” across the country.
Already, according to statistic from the Government of Liberia (GOL), there are 200,000 at-risk youth across the country.
This year at the Annual Convention of the Liberia Annual Conference (LAC) in Ganta City, Nimba County, a taskforce was established by the LAC to tackle the issue of at-risk youth in Liberia due to the growing numbers.
At the one-day forum, a collective effort in addressing the situation of “zogoes” in Liberia was recommended by the participants.
The churches’ leaders who attended the forum said they want the issue of at-risk youth to become a national emergency.
There were presentations by members of the LAC Taskforce and partners on happenings at various ghettoes in Liberia, and as well recommendations on a way forward in handling the issue.
Churches in Liberia have agreed to join hands with the United Methodist Church (UMC) in tackling the issue of at-risk youth.
For his part, the LAC Taskforce Ambassador, Rev. Caleb Dormah, disclosed plans by the taskforce to train more church leaders and community dwellers in tackling zogoes issue.
According to him, if nothing is done now Liberia, within the nearest future, may have zogo representatives and president because the number is gradually increasing by the day.
Recently, the Government of Liberia (GOL) launched a fund drive, soliciting millions of dollars to address the issue of zogoes or at-risk youth.
At the end of the one-day meeting, participants suggested a bigger gathering the next time where stakeholders will be invited.
The forum was well attended by top Liberian clergymen and women, among others.
