The Liberia Initiative for Less Fortunate Children, in collaboration with African Dream Academy and Haven Care, proudly hosted its third annual Girls Leading Our World (G•L•O•W) Conference, a transformative event aimed at empowering young girls in Liberia.
Founded in 2009, the Liberia Initiative for Less Fortunate Children is a non-governmental, non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing educational and socioeconomic opportunities for underprivileged children across the nation.
Conference Overview
Held over two days, the conference centered on the theme “Unleashing the Potential of the African Girl Child to Lead.” It brought together 40 girls from grades 6 to 12, representing twelve schools in the Paynesville community, along with five students from the University of Liberia. Participants engaged in training sessions focused on leadership skills, self-confidence, self-esteem building, and resilience in overcoming societal challenges.
Dekontee Joyce Doboyou Howard, a passionate advocate for young girls’ empowerment, led this initiative through her charity, the Liberia Initiative for Less Fortunate Children (LILFOC). Ms. Howard’s vision for the G•L•O•W Conference is to equip young women with essential skills and confidence, preparing them to become future leaders. As a beacon of hope in the District 6 Paynesville, ELWA community of Monrovia, she is dedicated to addressing the unique needs of young girls and fostering their growth.
During the conference, held on December 18th and 19th, 2024, Ms. Howard delivered an inspiring presentation on leadership fundamentals, motivating participants to embrace their potential and strive for greatness.
Hon. Rev. Samuel Enders, the representative of District 6 in Monrovia, is recognized for his unwavering commitment to community service and spiritual guidance. His dedication to improving lives through education and social outreach has established him as a pillar of hope in the region.
Understanding the critical role of education in breaking the cycle of poverty, Rev. Enders has worked tirelessly to enhance educational opportunities for children in District 6. His initiatives include partnerships with local schools and organizations to provide resources, scholarships, and tutoring programs, ensuring that every child has access to quality education.
In addition to his pastoral duties, Rev. Enders champions social justice and community development. His efforts have led to the creation of food distribution programs, youth mentorship initiatives, and health awareness campaigns that address pressing issues such as poverty and healthcare access.
At the conference, Rev. Enders delivered heartfelt welcome remarks, sharing a personal story that resonated with attendees. His narrative not only set a positive tone for the event but also emphasized the importance of connection and shared experiences, reinforcing the conference’s theme and fostering a sense of community among participants.
Mrs. Malay Taylor Wennah, founder of the Edutainment Playground Center, emphasized the importance of open dialogue during her opening remarks. She encouraged female students to express themselves throughout the two-day learning sessions, sharing experiences that many girls face, such as societal preferences for males in inheritance rights, violence against children, and cultural norms that promote early marriage.
Other speakers included Atty. Dekontee King-Sackie, who discussed leadership and resilience, and Ms. Tukus Ama Harris, who focused on empowerment and self-confidence, highlighting the dangers of low self-esteem in adolescents and the importance of self-discovery and acceptance.
At the conclusion of the two-day conference, all 40 participants were awarded certificates to recognize their commitment and participation, marking a significant step toward empowering the next generation of female leaders in Liberia.
