IPNEWS: Gbarnga, Bong County – As Liberia intensifies its national efforts to combat the growing wave of substance abuse, Kids Survival Liberia (KSL), a fast-rising youth empowerment and rehabilitation organization, is appealing for urgent financial and logistical support to sustain its programs across the country.
The organization’s Chief Executive Officer, Billy Jones, popularly known as “Dinario,” is leading an energetic campaign in Bong County to rescue young people from drug addiction and reintegrate them into society.
Speaking during a community engagement in Gbarnga, Mr. Jones stressed that Liberia’s drug crisis has reached alarming levels and requires coordinated action between government, private institutions, and international partners.
“We are on the frontlines of a national emergency that is destroying the lives of young Liberians,” Jones said. “Our organization is doing all it can, but without financial and technical support, we cannot reach the scale needed to save more children and youth.”
Faith-Driven Mission for Recovery and Hope
Kids Survival Liberia, founded just over a year ago, is a faith-based, nonprofit, and non-political initiative working to restore hope, dignity, and opportunity for at-risk youth in all 15 counties of Liberia.
Although some perceive the group as a church, Jones clarifies that its mission extends far beyond evangelism:
“We believe in God’s power to transform lives, but our mission is practical to prevent addiction, rehabilitate victims, and empower young people through skills training and community engagement.”
Since its inception, KSL has led a series of impactful “Say No to Drugs” campaigns in Bong, Nimba, Margibi, Grand Cape Mount, Bomi, and Montserrado Counties, reaching thousands of students, parents, and community members.
The organization has also established a growing network of volunteers, peer educators, and community counselors who identify and support at-risk youth, guiding them toward recovery and reintegration.
From the Streets to Service: The Journey of “Dinario”
Reflecting on his personal transformation, Jones shared his journey from the streets — once known as “Shining Seed” — to becoming a national advocate for youth rehabilitation.
“I come from a difficult background,” he said. “I know what it means to be lost and hopeless. That’s why I am committed to helping others find their way back — out of the ghettos, off the streets, and into meaningful lives.”
Under his leadership, Kids Survival Liberia has become a beacon of hope in Bong County and beyond, collaborating with traditional leaders, law enforcement, and community elders to strengthen outreach and recovery programs.
A Cry for Support: Sustainability Under Threat
Despite its impressive reach and impact, the organization struggles to sustain its operations due to the lack of financial support from both the government and development partners.
“We currently receive no financial assistance from the Liberian government,” Jones lamented. “Even simple activities like transporting volunteers or printing awareness materials are major challenges without logistics and resources.”
He appealed directly to President Joseph Boakai, the diplomatic corps, international NGOs, and Liberians in the diaspora to extend assistance through funding, food supplies, medical supplies training materials, and technical supplies.
“Every Liberian family is affected by this crisis in one way or another,” Jones said. “It’s painful to see a 14-year-old boy in a ghetto threatening to stab someone. We can’t ignore this — the time to act is now.”
Partnering to Protect Liberia’s Future
Kids Survival Liberia is calling for partnerships with governmental agencies, international donors, corporate sponsors, and faith-based networks to expand its programs.
Support from partners would enable the organization to:
• Establish community rehabilitation centers in major counties;
• Train peer counselors and recovery mentors;
• Launch nationwide school-based drug prevention campaigns;
• Provide skills training and micro-enterprise opportunities for reformed youth; and
• Strengthen monitoring and counseling networks across urban and rural communities.
Currently, KSL continues to engage with at-risk youth in the Campala community of Gbarnga, as well as in parts of Nimba, Grand Bassa, Margibi and Montserrado Counties, providing first aid, counseling, food assistance, and rehabilitation support.
A National Appeal
Jones ended his appeal with a message of hope and urgency:
“We are not just fighting drug abuse we are fighting for the soul of our nation. Supporting Kids Survival Liberia is an investment in Liberia’s future. Together, we can restore our children’s dignity and build a drug-free generation.”
To support Kids Survival Liberia: Individuals or organizations wishing to contribute can contact the group via:
kidssurvivorliberia@gmail.com or 0887-291-599/0779-207-831 Headquarters: 15th Street Sinkor, Barclay Avenue, City of Life Community, Moronvai Liberia
