A Canadian delegation visited Liberia to address a national emergency involving substance abuse and mental health. The trip, led by Empowerment Squared’s CEO, focused on strengthening partnerships in education and health. The visit included the inauguration of the Liberian Learning Center and initiatives that mobilized nearly $10 million in investments to support Liberia’s development.
On March 21, 2025, a Canadian delegation recognized the escalating drug addiction crisis in Liberia, recently labeled a national emergency by President Joseph Boakai. Their meeting with Canadian interns involved in community-based research on substance abuse is part of a four-year initiative funded by Global Affairs Canada, alongside Empowerment Squared and McMaster University. This collaboration is geared towards enhancing Liberia’s long-term strategies addressing mental health and substance abuse challenges.
The delegation, led by Leo Nupolu Johnson, CEO of Empowerment Squared, completed a successful two-day visit that reinforced Canada’s commitment to Liberia’s development priorities. The engagement aimed to strengthen long-term partnerships across essential sectors including education, youth empowerment, health, and economic development. The visit was hosted by Ama Harris and Attorney Decontee King-Sackie from Empowerment Squared.
In addition to their discussions, the delegation included officials from Global Affairs Canada and the Embassy of Canada in Côte d’Ivoire, which manages the diplomatic relations with Liberia. During their visit, the group interacted with various governmental bodies, such as the Ministries of Youth & Sports and Health, focused on developing joint strategies to tackle educational, economic, and public health challenges.
A significant aspect of this visit was the tour of the newly established Liberian Learning Center, a $2 million initiative designed for educational and community development. As the first of its kind in Liberia, the Center aims to provide resources for learning and innovation, including:
– A library for children and adults to enhance access to educational materials.
– Business incubation spaces to empower budding entrepreneurs.
– Conference facilities for professional development.
– A sports gymnasium that promotes youth engagement.
This building exemplifies environmental sustainability, being 100% solar-powered, constructed with eco-friendly materials, and equipped with systems for water conservation and energy efficiency. The Canadian delegation recognized its potential to serve as a model for sustainable education in Liberia.
Since 2022, Empowerment Squared has mobilized nearly $10 million USD in investments to support Liberia’s development. Over half of this funding has already been secured through partnerships with organizations such as the Mastercard Foundation and Global Affairs Canada. The investment will directly facilitate the expansion of the Liberian Learning Center as well as address substance abuse and mental health interventions through research-driven initiatives.
Leo Nupolu Johnson articulated the significance of international collaboration by stating, “The partnerships we are forging between Canada and Liberia represent a shared vision for empowerment, resilience, and sustainable development. This visit reaffirms our commitment to building impactful programs that transform lives and strengthen communities.”
As the delegation’s visit concluded, both Liberian and Canadian representatives reiterated their commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation. This collaboration indicates a bright future for Liberia’s development, underpinned by strategic investments, research, and capacity-building efforts.
The Canadian delegation’s visit to Liberia marked a pivotal moment in addressing the nation’s mental health and substance abuse crisis. Through partnerships and investments totaling nearly $10 million, initiatives such as the Liberian Learning Center represent a sustainable path for education and development. As both countries reaffirm their commitment to collaboration, the prospects for Liberia’s future development appear promising, centered on empowerment and resilience.
Original Source: www.liberianobserver.com
