A New Day, a Media Development & Advocacy Grassroots Organization, on Saturday, July 27, launched its first in a series of eight trauma-informed teaching workshops under the theme “Healing, Not Shame for Liberia’s Youth.”
The one-day workshop, held virtually, was under the theme: “Compassionate, Non-Stigmatizing Approaches,” brought together participants from various walks of life to learn how to support young people impacted by drug use through empathy, healing-centered language, and trauma-informed care. The participants were inclusive of leaders from ten local communities. Those include activists, advocates and journalists.
A New Day founder, Priscilla J. Mah Belloh, opened the session by underscoring the organization’s core mission: “We care deeply about healing. We want to learn how to care for others and ourselves in ways that honor dignity and safety.”
The workshop aimed to replace language rooted in blame and stigma with expressions of support and respect. A central focus was placed on trauma-informed care, introducing participants to its six core principles: Safety, Trustworthiness, Choice, Collaboration, Empowerment, and Cultural Humility.
In what was described as an emotional and transformative gathering, attendees participated in empathy mapping, trauma-sensitive language practice, and the creation of visual “Principal Posters” to help embed the lessons into their everyday advocacy and caregiving efforts.
Several participants courageously shared their personal experiences with substance use and addiction. One woman spoke tearfully of her nephew who passed away earlier this year due to a drug use disorder. Another revealed her ongoing struggle to support her brothers battling addiction. The session facilitator also shared her journey raising an adopted son working through recovery.
“These stories remind us that behind every statistic is a face, a family, a future worth fighting for,” said Belloh.
Participants were encouraged to adopt affirming and people-first language, including: “Person who uses drugs” instead of “addict,”; “substance use disorder” instead of “drug abuse,”; “Youth experiencing addiction” instead of “drugged youth,” and “On a healing journey” instead of “hopeless case.”
The session emphasized that language not only reflects how we view others but also shapes how they view themselves. Cultural phrases like “Mama Liberia’s children” were used to encourage community ownership in supporting vulnerable youth.
In closing, participants were asked to reflect on one insight they gained and one behavior they intend to change as a result of the workshop. Many expressed gratitude to A New Day for creating a safe space to learn, connect, and be vulnerable.
The event also announced plans for partnerships with religious institutions and civil society organizations to extend the reach of this grassroots initiative across Liberia.
As the session concluded, Belloh left the group with a reminder: “Healing is not linear. Be gentle with yourself and those you care for. Healing is possible. And together, we are part of making it so. It’s A New Day!”
About A NEW DAY:
A New Day is a social justice and media development grassroots organization that advocates for the rights of minoritized populations, emphasizing gender diversity. A New Day is a transformative social justice and media development organization dedicated to advocating for the rights of marginalized populations, with a particular emphasis on gender diversity. Founded in 2020, on the belief that everyone deserves equal rights, opportunities, and representation, A New Day strives to challenge systemic inequalities and create a more inclusive society.
