In a move to address the pressing issue of child homelessness, the Minister of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, Hon. Gbemee Horace-Kollie, launched a 13-day operation on Monday, December 9, 2024, to remove children from the streets and provide them with safe, supportive environments.
The operation is part of the Ministry’s broader initiative, support a Child, Save the Future. It aims to reunite vulnerable children with their families, place them in foster care, or offer temporary housing in transit homes. On the first day, Minister Horace-Kollie led a team of social workers to the streets, engaging with children and hearing their stories firsthand.
During the outreach, social workers encountered children who shared harrowing accounts of their lives. Many revealed that they were brought to the streets under false promises of education but were instead forced to become breadwinners for their families. Others spoke of abandonment and the struggles of survival.
Minister Horace-Kollie expressed deep concern after hearing these stories. “This is more than an intervention; it is a call to action for our society to protect its most vulnerable,” she said. “These children are our future, and we are determined to give them the opportunities they deserve.”
To ensure the initiative’s effectiveness, the Ministry has divided Monrovia into four zones, with dedicated teams of social workers collaborating with community leaders and local organizations. This coordinated effort prioritizes the safety and well-being of the children while ensuring that no area is left unchecked.
The operation also aims to address the root causes of child homelessness, including poverty, lack of access to education, and weak family support systems. By tackling these systemic issues, the Ministry seeks to create long-term solutions that prevent children from returning to the streets.
Minister Horace-Kollie emphasized that the success of the Support a Child, Save the Future initiative depends on collective action. She called on families, civil society organizations, and the general public to join the effort to create a more inclusive and nurturing society.
“This is not just the responsibility of the Ministry; it is a collective responsibility that requires the support and collaboration of all sectors of society,” she said.
To ensure transparency, the Ministry has pledged to provide regular updates on the progress of the 13-day operation through its Communication Unit. This will keep the public informed and engaged as the initiative discloses.
The campaign represents a critical step toward safeguarding the country’s future by ensuring every child has access to education, healthcare, and stable living conditions. As the operation continues, it is a testament to the nation’s commitment to protecting its most vulnerable citizens.
