Teen Pregnancy Crisis Deepens in River Cess Amid Poor Education Access and Exploitation

RIVERCESS COUNTY: A disturbing surge in teenage pregnancies in River Cess County is being blamed on the lack of educational opportunities and essential youth services, as local authorities warn of long-term consequences if immediate action is not taken.

County Superintendent Byron Zahnwea has expressed deep concern over the growing number of young girls dropping out of school due to early pregnancies—an issue he attributes to poor infrastructure, limited school access, and the absence of support systems for youth.

Zahnwea emphasized that River Cess has only three high schools and not a single college or university, leaving thousands of students with no path forward after secondary school. He warned that this lack of opportunity fuels despair and vulnerability, particularly among girls, who are often left idle or pushed into dangerous environments.

He noted that many children are eager to learn but face barriers such as long travel distances to school, impassable roads, and a severe shortage of qualified teachers. These conditions, he said, are weakening the county’s human capital and robbing young people of their future.

Adding to the crisis is the presence of illegal gold mining operations, which have pulled many young people out of school and exposed them to exploitation and abuse. Without vocational training or early childhood education, the youth remain unprepared for productive livelihoods.

Superintendent Zahnwea said his office is working to build partnerships with civil society groups and development organizations to provide vocational training and life-skills programs. However, he underscored that sustainable change requires government investment in educational infrastructure and the urgent establishment of a tertiary institution within the county.

Meanwhile, Emmanuel Mandeh, the only officer assigned to the Women and Children Protection Section of the Liberia National Police in River Cess, pointed to the underreporting of sexual abuse as a major concern. He said families often choose to handle statutory rape cases privately, allowing abusers to walk free.

Under Liberian law, any girl under 18 who becomes pregnant is considered a victim of statutory rape. However, weak enforcement and community silence have created an environment where teenage girls are frequently abused without justice.

Mandeh called for stronger collaboration between law enforcement, community leaders, and families to break the culture of silence and ensure perpetrators are held accountable.

The situation in River Cess has sparked growing public calls for the government to prioritize education and youth development in the county. Stakeholders argue that with only three high schools and no higher learning institution, the future of thousands of children hangs in the balance.

Without immediate intervention, they warn, the county risks becoming a hotspot for early pregnancy, abuse, and generational poverty issues that can only be tackled through access to quality education and robust protection systems.