By: Staff Writer
MONROVIA, Liberia – Former President of the Press Union of Liberia (PUL), Abraham Massaley, has raised serious concern over the condition of young people in Grand Cape Mount County, warning that many are “trapped in survival mode” amid growing hardship and limited opportunities.
In a message following a recent visit to the county, Massaley said he observed a troubling sense of hopelessness among the youth, driven by a lack of access to education, jobs, and pathways for personal development.
“I looked into the eyes of many young people and saw a heavy cloud of hopelessness,” Massaley said. “The odds are stacked against the overwhelming majority of young people in Cape Mount.”
According to him, the situation has forced many into a daily struggle for survival, leaving little room to plan for the future or pursue long-term ambitions.
“The young people are trapped in survival mode, forced to focus entirely on getting bread for today, leaving them zero room to build tomorrow’s future,” he stated.
Massaley also pointed to what he described as a widening disconnect between the aspirations of young people and the priorities of some national leaders.
He warned that persistent poverty and dependence risk undermining the potential of an entire generation.
“Our people have been intentionally boxed into extreme poverty and desperation,” he said, adding that such conditions continue to limit opportunities for growth and self-advancement.
Despite the grim outlook, Massaley emphasized that the youth of Cape Mount possess immense untapped potential and resilience. He urged them not to allow their current circumstances to define their future.
Drawing from his own life story, Massaley recounted growing up in hardship losing his parents at a young age and facing severe poverty but refusing to give up on his ambitions.
“Even graduating from high school was a miracle for me,” he said. “But I refused to accept my circumstances.”
He noted that his persistence eventually led him to national prominence and academic success, including earning two master’s degrees from universities in the United States.
“My life is a miracle. Anything is possible,” he added.
Massaley called on young people to take bold action, stressing that meaningful change begins with individual determination.
“Nothing will change until you act,” he urged. “Do not fear the risk of failure; fear the lifelong regret of doing nothing.”
He further encouraged the youth to aim beyond their immediate struggles, resist settling for less, and work relentlessly toward their goals.
“Do not give up on Cape Mount. Do not give up on our people,” he said. “Dream big, work hard, and force your vision into reality.”
Massaley concluded with a message of hope, expressing confidence that the future of Cape Mount can be transformed if its young people rise to the challenge.
“The future of Cape Mount is great, and the prosperity of our county is within our collective reach,” he said.