-To Liberian Government and Fire-Affected Children
By Vaye A. Lepolu
Monrovia, Liberia – Over the weekend, SOS Children’s Village Liberia demonstrated its commitment to supporting vulnerable children by making significant donations to both the Liberian government and families affected by a recent fire disaster. The donations, which included furniture, equipment, and essential supplies, were part of the organization’s ongoing efforts to address the challenges faced by street children and disaster victims across the country.
Donation to the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection
On February 14, 2025, SOS Children’s Village Liberia handed over assorted furniture and equipment to the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection (MOGCSP) at the SOS compound in Monrovia. The donation, valued at approximately $5,000, included items such as bunk beds, sitting room sets, generators, freezers, and mattresses. These materials are intended to support the ministry’s efforts to establish transit points for street children in Margibi and Grand Bassa counties.
The initiative aligns with SOS Children’s Village’s national campaign, *“Support a Child, Save the Future,”* which aims to address the growing issue of street children in Liberia. According to data from the Ministry of Gender and Internews Liberia, an estimated 366,584 children are living in street situations across the country. Montserrado County has the highest number, with 153,965 children (42%), followed by Nimba (14%), Grand Bassa (10%), Bong (10%), and Margibi (8%).
SOS Children’s Village Program Director, Mr. Nehmah Yeanay, who represented Acting National Director Mr. Elber Nosolini, emphasized the organization’s commitment to supporting vulnerable children. “This donation is a small but meaningful step toward combating the issue of street children in Liberia. We envision 216 children benefiting from these materials, but the actual number of street children far exceeds this. The ministry will determine how best to utilize these resources to reach the most vulnerable,” he said.
Deputy Minister of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, Madam Garmai Tokpah, expressed her gratitude for the donation, highlighting its significance in advancing the ministry’s mission.
“We extend our deepest gratitude to SOS Children’s Village for their generosity and commitment to our shared mission. This contribution will enhance our ability to provide essential services and create a more conducive environment for the children under our care. Partnerships like this are vital, and together, we can achieve more than we could alone. We look forward to continued collaboration in building a better future for all Liberian children,” she said.
Support for Fire-Affected Families in Matadi
In addition to the donation to the government, SOS Children’s Village also provided assistance to families affected by a fire disaster in Matadi, Sinkor, on January 7, 2025. The fire left seven families and 23 children homeless. Each child received $25 for school uniforms, while the heads of the seven families were given two bags of 25kg rice each, totaling 14 bags.
Mr. Yeanay explained that the organization also provided school supplies, including one dozen exercise books, pants, pencils, and other essential materials for each child. The total value of the assistance provided to the fire victims was approximately $1,000.
“SOS Children’s Village was deeply affected by the fire incident, and we felt compelled to support these families during this difficult time. We hope this assistance will help them rebuild their lives and ensure the children can continue their education,” Mr. Yeanay stated.
Addressing the Broader Challenge of Street Children
The donations come amid alarming statistics from UNESCO, which reveal that a significant percentage of Liberian children are out of school. According to the data, 20% of children aged 6 to 11, 30% of those aged 12 to 14, and 60% of adolescents aged 15 to 17 are not attending school. Poverty, gender-based discrimination, violence, and displacement are cited as major contributing factors.
The Liberian government’s Education Sector Plan (2022/23–2026/27) highlights the ongoing challenges in ensuring access to quality education for all children. SOS Children’s Village’s initiatives aim to complement these efforts by providing immediate support to vulnerable children and advocating for long-term solutions.
A Call for Continued Collaboration
SOS Children’s Village Liberia remains committed to its mission of protecting and supporting vulnerable children. Through partnerships with the government, local communities, and international organizations, the charity continues to make a tangible impact on the lives of Liberian children.
As the country grapples with the challenges of street children, disaster recovery, and educational access, the collaboration between SOS Children’s Village and the Ministry of Gender serves as a model for how collective action can create meaningful change.
