Monrovia, Liberia – President Joseph N. Boakai has described children being on the Street as a
“waist of resources.” At the EJS Ministerial Complex in Congo Town on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, President Boakai launched the Street Child Project with the theme “Support A Child, Save The Future.” He said the mismanagement of public funds has a detrimental impact on the lives of children in Liberia.
The President claimd that in order to improve the lives of children, State actors must adopt a different mindset about the management of national resources. According to the Liberian leader, every child’s future has been destroyed by public sector corruption.
Boakai has urged public servants to lead simple lives so that others can profit from the tools and assistance that the government provides for them to advance in life. Additionally, he urged government representatives to adopt a more child-centered mindset.
“Your child will be effected if only you care about yours.” If care is not given to every child, all children, regardless of their standing, will be impacted by a terrible child.”
President Boakai pledged that every child will continue to attend school as long as he is in office.
“We will ensure that no child is left unattended in the streets or absent from school while I’m in charge. We’ll see to it that every child continues their education. Children should not play in the streets. I hope some of us will start feeling guilty from this program because we have taken the resources required for improving the lives of these children for ourselves.”
Boakai made his first personal donation of US$15,000 to the Minister of Gender in order to guarantee that kids be kept off the streets.
Speaking at the event, Minister of Gender Children and Social Protection Gbeme Horace-Kollie stated that the project highlights efforts made by the government to address problems faced by children living on the streets.
The project signifies the beginning of a concerted effort to create a more secure and supportive environment for every young person in Liberia. It is a crucial step in guaranteeing the chances of every Liberian youth and signifies a significant commitment to their well-being.”
The Minister disclosed that the inception of the “Support A Child, Save The Future” initiative came about as a result of a survey conducted in 2022 that showed an astounding 366,584 children were living on the streets nationwide.
In reference to a poll, Minister Horace-Kollie said that Montserrado County alone is responsible for 42% of these children, or 153965; Nimba, Bassa, Bong, and Margibi counties provide an additional 42%, leaving the remaining counties with 16%.
She outlined the underlying causes of this issue, emphasizing the grave hazards that many children face due to things like starvation, drug misuse, assault, exploitation, and human trafficking.
Reported by: Prince Saah
Contact: +231778239813
Email: saahprince119@gmail.com
