By: Gabriel Parker
BOMI COUNTY – The United Methodist Church, through its At-Risk Youths Program, is set to launch a transformative rehabilitation initiative aimed at empowering vulnerable young women in Bomi County.
The initiative, titled “Star Girl,” is scheduled to officially launch on June 20, 2025, in Tubmanburg. It is part of the Church’s broader mission of service to humanity, with a focus on restoring hope and dignity to young women affected by social challenges.
According to Church officials, Star Girl will prioritize rehabilitation, detoxification, and reintegration, while equipping participants with the skills and knowledge necessary for self-sufficiency.
In an exclusive interview with journalists, Pastor Keller Dunbar, Director of the At-Risk Youths Program, and Rev. Ezekiel Howe, resident pastor of the United Methodist Church in Bomi, revealed that the program’s first phase will target over thirty young women across the county.
Beneficiaries will be selected based on their vulnerability and the severity of the social issues affecting their lives—particularly in communities grappling with drug abuse, exploitation, and poverty.
Pastor Dunbar explained that the Church’s decision to launch the initiative in Bomi was informed by a recent survey, which highlighted the urgent need for intervention.
“The data clearly shows that too many young women in Bomi are silently suffering. Some are trapped in cycles of abuse, others are battling addiction, and many lack the basic support needed to move forward,” he said.
The Star Girl program will take a holistic approach—incorporating detoxification, psychosocial counseling, mentorship, and vocational training—to ensure participants receive mental, emotional, and economic support.
Rev. Howe emphasized that the initiative is not only about addressing past traumas but also about building a brighter future.
“We want these girls to rise again with pride, confidence, and direction. The Church believes in transformation—and through Star Girl, we want to give them a new beginning,” he stated.
To ensure the program’s success, the Church will collaborate with local authorities, civil society organizations, community elders, and youth-led groups. Key components will include training workshops, therapy sessions, and community outreach activities to support full reintegration into society.
With the launch just days away, anticipation is growing among residents and stakeholders in Bomi County. The Star Girl initiative is widely expected to reduce stigma, restore hope, and empower a new generation of resilient young women.
