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LOOKING INTO THE LIFE OF AT-RISK YOUTH (ZOGOS) IN LIBERIA

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By Simeon Coco Manjue
smonjue35@gmail.com

The unemployment among youth in Liberia is alarming. According to the Liberia Institute of Statistics & Geo-Information Services (LIGIS), 41.7% of the population consists of youth aged 15-35 years. A United Nations report further indicates that 60% of these young people are unemployed, posing a serious threat to Liberia’s economic development. Among them is a group known as ‘Zogos,’ disadvantaged youth living in society’s most marginalized areas, including abandoned buildings and beaches. These young people face extreme hardships, ranging from economic struggles to social exclusion. To address these challenges, the government and citizens must prioritize investments in youth skills training and employment opportunities for a better future.
The Ministry of Youth and Sports conducted a 2019 survey estimating that Liberia’s Zogos numbered between 25,000 and 30,000, with 70% being ex-combatants. This figure increased in 2022 when Dr. Gborbee G. Logan reported that 47,917 youth were identified as Zogos. These alarming statistics highlight the urgent need to tackle factors contributing to their plight, including economic hardship, substance abuse, and skill deficits. Many Zogos turn to drugs like tramadol, heroin, and cocaine as a way to cope with trauma, which exacerbates their addiction and limits their potential for productivity. The lack of marketable skills among these youth also prevents them from generating income and building a sustainable livelihood.
The challenges Zogos face extend beyond personal struggles. Reports from the Ministry of Youth and Sports in 2020 show that Zogos endure poor living conditions, limited access to healthcare, and frequent conflicts with law enforcement due to societal stigma. Their behavior and appearance often lead to their being labeled as criminals, making reintegration into society a daunting task.
Although the Liberian government, along with local and international organizations, has initiated programs to address the Zogo phenomenon, the efforts have fallen short. For instance, the Socio-Economic Empowerment of Disadvantaged (SEED) Youth in Liberia allocated $1.4 million in 2019, while an additional $1 million was provided by Finance Minister Samuel Tweah in 2023 to address at-risk youth in Monrovia. However, most of these programs are short-term and fail to address the root causes of the problem.
This article recommends three key strategies: an integrated rehabilitation program to provide holistic support for Zogos, public awareness campaigns to reduce stigma and promote inclusion, and stronger governmental collaboration with non-governmental organizations to ensure long-term solutions.

Conclusion
The issue of Zogos in Liberia is deeply rooted in the nation’s historical, economic, and social challenges. A sustainable and collaborative approach is essential to transform these disadvantaged youth into productive members of society. By investing in education, rehabilitation, and skill development, Liberia can secure a brighter future for its youth and foster national development.

4 Comments
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