The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP) on today launch a major project to help save over 7,000 vulnerable children considered “street children”.
The project themed “Support A Child, Save the Future” was launched at the Ministerial Complex and brought together key figures including the President of the Republic of Liberia, Joseph Nyuma Boakai, the Speaker Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa, and the UNICEF Ambassador Andy Brooke.
President Boakai stated the importance of taking kids off the streets emphasizing the need for immediate action. He further assured MoaGCSP of more support to children-led programs and projects in Liberia while at the same time pledging his government’s unflinching commitment to getting more kids back in school. He initially donated Fifteen Thousand United States Dollars (US$15,000) as his personal contribution to kickstart the project.
President Boakai then expressed his vote of thanks and confidence to and in the Minister of Gender, Child and Social Protection Gbeme Horace Kollie for undertaking the project. “I have experienced what it means to be a street child and nobody in power has the right to take away the country’s resources from these kids,” Pres. Boakai said.
For his part, House Speaker, Cllr. Fonati Koffa, emphasized the significant impact that investing in children can have on Liberia’s future. In support of MoGCSP street children initiative, he pledged five thousand United States Dollars (US$5,000) as his initial contribution.
Also speaking at the launch was the Judge of the Juvenile Court, Cllr. Lucretia Thomas Anderson, who pledged her fullest support towards the project. She further lamented on the issue of the foster parents stating that legal procedures should be adhered to. She pledged her commitment in making sure the children are placed in the right foster homes to ensure a good care and future.
The street children project has garnered recognition and other organizations like Give Directly and The SOS Children Village have partnered with the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection to ensure that kids stay off the streets once removed.
