-Launches National Street Children Project
By G Bennie Bravo Johnson I
As part of the efforts towards addressing the alarming crisis of street children, on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, the government through the Ministry of Gender Children and Social Protection with support from partners officially launched the ‘Street Child Project’ under the theme: “Support A Child, Save The Future,”
The project which seeks to permanently remove over 7,000 children from street situations across the country within five years,
inaugurates a five-year, nationally-driven endeavor spearheaded by the Government of Liberia through the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection.
In an overview, the Honorable Gbeme Horace-Kollie, Minister of Gender Children and Social Protection stated that the initiative highlights the collective efforts of the government to address the challenges faced by children on the street. She stated that is a significant commitment to the welfare of all Liberian children.
“This effort underscores the beginning of a renewed and concerted effort to create a safer and more supportive environment for every child in Liberia. It symbolizes a significant commitment to the welfare of all Liberian children and is a crucial step towards securing their futures.”
The Minister revealed that the “Support A Child, Save The Future” project originated following a 2022 survey which revealed a staggering 366,584 children were living in street situations across the country.
According to that survey, Montserrado County alone accounts for 42% of these children, totaling 153,965, while Nimba, Bassa, Bong, and Margibi counties contribute another 42%, leaving the remaining counties with 16%.
She highlighted the root causes of this crisis, with many children facing severe risks, including malnutrition, substance abuse, violence, exploitation, and human trafficking.
Minister Horace-Kollie, further added that the launch symbolizes a practical approach to permanently remove 73,317 children from the streets, representing 20% of the total number, from street situations. She added that the pilot phase, set for one year, will concentrate exclusively on Montserrado County, targeting the removal of 7,698 children, or 5% of the total number in Montserrado.
Additionally, she provided that the project intends to empower 1,920 mothers and caregivers associated with these children, ensuring a holistic approach to addressing the issue.
Intimating that the initiative responds directly and urgently to the need to protect and uplift vulnerable children living on the streets by providing them with the care, education, and opportunities necessary for a brighter future.
In furtherance, she lauded the partners for their role in the fight to take children off the streets and provided the ministry’s commitment to ensuring that children are off the streets.
“Meanwhile, the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection remains committed to working tirelessly with all relevant partners and stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of the “Support A Child, Save The Future” project. This collective effort aims to create lasting change, securing a safer and brighter future for every child in Liberia.”
Officially launching the Street Child Project, President Joseph Nyumah Boakai committed that the government under his leadership will ensure that every child is kept in school.
“Under my watch, we will make sure that no child will be left in the streets and out of school. We will make sure that every child is kept in school. The streets are not for children” the President added.
The president asserted that corruption in the public sector has ruined the future of every Liberian child. “I hope from this program some of us will start feeling guilty because we have taken the resources required for improving the lives of these children for ourselves.”
The Liberian leader admonished officials of government to live simply so that others may benefit from the resources and support required by the government to develop their lives. He further asserted that the misuse of public resources has affected the lives of Liberian children negatively.
The Liberian leader who gave 15,000 as his initial personal contribution admonished state actors to change their attitude towards handling national resources for the betterment of the children. “Let’s change our attitude in the interest of our children.” He added that if care is not given to every child, all children irrespective of their status will be affected by a bad child. “Your child will be affected if only you care about yours.”
