Liberia’s Minister of Agriculture, Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah, has turned the lives of two young Liberians from despair to hope through a personal humanitarian initiative targeting drug rehabilitation and social reintegration.
Earlier this year, Dr. Nuetah rescued five disadvantaged youths from the streets of Sinkor, Monrovia, enrolling them at the New Life Recovery Center in Lower Margibi County.
He personally covered the costs of their rehabilitation and accommodation. While three of the youths later absconded, two—Alphonso Sackor Buegar and Mark M. Morris—successfully completed the program and have since been reintegrated into society with renewed purpose.
On October 9, Dr. Nuetah met the two rehabilitated youths at his office in the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex, pledging continued support for their education and full reintegration.
“You have been rehabilitated; now it’s your duty to remain determined and avoid narcotic drugs so you can make the difference society expects of you,” he said.
“Go take the entrance exams of any technical or high school institution of your choice and bring the results.”
To ensure their continued success, the Minister announced he would personally sponsor their educational journeys, covering tuition for vocational and secondary schools and providing US$720 for accommodation.
Alphonso Buegar, a 2017 graduate of Worldwide Mission School, plans to pursue higher education at the University of Liberia, while Mark Morris, a high school dropout, aims to complete his secondary education before enrolling at the same university.
Dr. Nuetah’s commitment extends beyond individual rehabilitation.
He pledged agricultural materials to the New Life Recovery Center, enabling the facility to establish a farm that will supply food and equip youths with practical agricultural skills.
“The Ministry of Agriculture will provide the necessary materials to help the center grow its own food,” he said, “This will not only support feeding but also give these young people practical agricultural skills they can use to rebuild their lives.”
The initiative has been widely praised by the management of the recovery center and the rehabilitated youths, who described it as a model of compassionate leadership. “Dr. Nuetah didn’t just talk about change—he made it happen,” said one administrator.
What began as a personal act of kindness has become a symbol of hope and national renewal, demonstrating that with empathy, opportunity, and support, even those society has written off can reclaim their lives and contribute meaningfully to Liberia’s future.
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