By Rocheford T. Gardiner
Harper, Liberia–A silent “solar-powered” crisis is sweeping across Liberia, threatening the educational future and moral fabric of its youngest generation. I am talking about the portable casino consoles from China that now floods the nation, quickly becoming an ubiquitous and addictive presence, from the dusty corners of rural towns to the busy streets of the capital, Monrovia.
School Boycotts and Spiking Addiction
Children under 18 years are reportedly spending countless hours fixated on these gambling devices. The magnetic pull of the games is leading to a disturbing trend: students are now actively disregarding school or simply boycotting classes entirely. The immediate thrill of the gamble is eclipsing the long-term value of education.
The core issue is not just lost study time; it is the insidious addiction that is fundamentally altering behavior. This relentless pursuit of a win is pushing children toward criminal activities. Reports of kids indulging in petty crime and domestic theft to feed their gambling habit are on the rise, creating a new wave of juvenile delinquency. The transition from a harmless game to an enabling factor for crime is a dangerous development that demands immediate attention.
Authority’s Silence and Flare-Ups
The pervasive nature of this problem suggests a stark lack of regulatory oversight. It appears that authorities do not seem to care, as these solar-powered casino consoles are now freely available across Liberia. This absence of restriction is effectively giving children—who lack the necessary impulse control—unfettered access to a damaging vice.
The financial transactions associated with the games are also fueling social instability among peers. Fights usually ensue when kids, desperate for a chance to play, borrow money from friends with the promise of paying back after a win. When they lose, as is often the case, the unfulfilled debts and broken promises lead to violent flare-ups.
A Call for Action
Perhaps most troubling is the apparent silence from key societal institutions. Both religious leaders and the education system have apparently not seen the dangers of having small children indulge into gambling without any restriction. While these institutions are often the first to champion the protection and development of children, their lack of a unified front against this new threat is baffling.
The proliferation of these consoles is not just an entertainment issue; it’s a profound social challenge. If the government, parents, educators, and religious communities do not act swiftly and decisively to restrict access and educate children on the dangers of gambling, Liberia risks jeopardizing the future of many potential future leaders, to the lure of a cheap, solar-powered vice.
