Canadian Delegation Addresses Liberia’s Substance Abuse and Mental Health Crisis
The Canadian delegation visited Liberia to address the national drug addiction crisis and enhance mental health initiatives. Collaborating with local interns, they aim to develop long-term strategies and committed nearly $10 million towards education and health projects, including the newly inaugurated Liberian Learning Center, a sustainable community hub.
On March 21, 2025, a Canadian delegation acknowledged Liberia’s escalating drug addiction crisis, officially recognized as a national emergency by President Joseph Boakai. They met with Canadian interns carrying out community-based research on substance abuse and mental health, as part of a four-year project funded by Global Affairs Canada in partnership with Empowerment Squared and McMaster University. Over the next three years, several cohorts of interns of African descent will conduct fieldwork in Montserrado, Margibi, and Grand Bassa counties, contributing to Liberia’s long-term strategies to combat these issues.
The delegation was led by Leo Nupolu Johnson, CEO of Empowerment Squared, and included senior officials from Global Affairs Canada and the Canadian Embassy in Côte d’Ivoire. This high-level engagement aimed to reinforce Canada’s commitment to Liberia’s national development, focusing on critical areas such as education, youth empowerment, health, and economic growth. Key team members comprised Marie Belanger, Amadou Kane, and Euloge Camara, who engaged with various government institutions to devise collaborative solutions for pressing national problems.
A highlight of the visit was the tour of the newly established Liberian Learning Center, a $2 million hub for educational and community development. Notably, it contains a library for both children and adults, co-working spaces for entrepreneurs, conference rooms for knowledge exchange, and a sports gymnasium. Furthermore, as Liberia’s most sustainable public building, it is 100% solar-powered, built with eco-friendly materials, features rainwater collection systems, and is designed for energy efficiency.
Since 2022, Empowerment Squared has facilitated nearly $10 million in investments for Liberia, emphasizing education, mental health, and entrepreneurship training. With over $5 million already secured from stakeholders like the Mastercard Foundation and Rotary International, these funds are pivotal for expanding educational access through the Learning Center and implementing evidence-based mental health interventions.
Leo Nupolu Johnson highlighted the importance of international partnerships, saying, “The partnerships we are forging between Canada and Liberia represent a shared vision for empowerment, resilience, and sustainable development.” As the delegation concluded their visit, both Liberian and Canadian stakeholders reaffirmed their dedication to enhancing bilateral cooperation, signaling a positive outlook for Liberia’s sustainable development through strategic investments and capacity-building initiatives.
The Canadian delegation’s visit to Liberia underscores a growing commitment to address mental health and substance abuse crises through collaborative approaches. The establishment of the Liberian Learning Center exemplifies a significant investment in education and sustainability. With nearly $10 million mobilized for development initiatives, the partnership between Canada and Liberia promises to strengthen bilateral relations and promote long-term community empowerment.
Original Source: www.liberianobserver.com
