Recently, the Liberian Government proclaimed that it is formulating plans through the Ministry of Youth and Sports and other line Ministries and Agencies to transform at-risks youths, commonly known as Zogos.
According to the Minister of Youth and Sports, Zeogar Wilson, the government will need US$13.9 million to address the issue of the at-risk youths with in Montserrado County.
As part of the Liberian Government’s efforts to have those at-risk youths get the rightful training that will make them impactful to the development of the country, the government through the Ministry of Youth and Sports commits to working with the National Association of Science and TVET Institutions in Liberia (NASTVET) to address the challenge posed by At Risk-Youths or Zogos.
Youths and Sports Minister Zeogar Wilson, Wednesday at his SKD Office in Paynesville, conducted a major strategic meeting with NASTVET.
During the meeting, Minister Wilson said the Liberian Government is willing to work with the private TVET Institutions across Liberia.
He said the meeting was part of an effort to have the National Association of Science and TVET Institutions partner with the government in designing strategies that need a holistic approach to finding a lasting sustainable solution to problems posed by the At-Risk-Youth.
Minister Wilson at the same time expressed gratitude to the National Association of Science and TEVT Institutions for their support and partnership with the government to tackle such a national problem.
Responding was the National President of the National Association of Science and TEVT Institutions; Lewis Teah Togba, Sr., who welcomed the decision by the Liberian Government through the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
He said science and TVET Institutions in Liberia will support the awaiting intention of the government to restore at Risk-Youths through TVET programs.
Togba said, out of the nearly 120 TVET Institutions in Liberia, the government owns and operates about 10 to 15 while the private TVET Institutions are the rest, therefore the decision to work with the leadership of NASTVET institutional members and others, will enhance the government’s vision to hands-on deal with the issue of unstable, at Risk-Youths or Zogos- drugs abuse young people.
He further indicated that Minister Wilson was very impressed with the private TVET Institutions through NASTVET and other TVET teacher units, for their willingness to cooperate with the government.
With involvement of NASTVET in addressing the issue concerning the At-Youths will need those within the health sector first, to rehabilitate them by flushing the drugs out of them.