Gender Ministry Climax Phase One of Support A Child, Save the Future Initiative with over 5,000 Street-Connected Children Beneficiaries

Monrovia, Liberia: The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP), in collaboration with the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) and several other local and international partners, has reported significant progress in its flagship program under the nomenclature “Support A Child, Save The Future.”

Initially launched in August 2024 through President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, the ‘Support A Child, Save the Future” seeks to protect and empower the abandoned and most vulnerable children across the country.

This five-year ambitious effort, which is currently being piloted in Montserrado County, is the Government of Liberia's comprehensive response to the alarming statistics revealed in a 2022 Nation-wide Child Protection Assessment report.

The 2022 NCPA report found that over 366,000 children across Liberia are found in street-connected conditions. Montserrado County accounts for 153,965 of the over 366,000. The five-year project aims to rescue and rehabilitate children found in street-connection situations by providing safe environments, access to education , healthcare, family reunification, and community reintegration.

Over the last seven months, MoGCSP has successfully identified and removed 5,479 children from hazardous street conditions, using a detailed family tracing and reunification process. Many of these children have been returned to safe and nurturing homes.

Out of the 5,479, 1,405 children have already been enrolled in schools, with 703 being supported by the MoGCSP and the remaining 702 being sponsored through Street Child Liberia across 47 public and private learning institutions.

Aimed at supporting the project’s long-term sustainability and to avoid the likelihood of relapse, MoGCSP has implemented an Economic Empowerment Scheme for caregivers. This effort records that 846 caregivers have received small business grants to establish or provide income-generating ventures.

The grants were distributed in categories where 451 caregivers are supported by the government, 234 by Street Child Liberia, and 161 through GiveDirectly.

GiveDirectly is a nonprofit organization that allows donors to send money directly to the world’s poorest households. The initiative provides unconditional cash transfers to people in poverty, refugees, urban youth, and disaster victims.  

Additionally, in partnership with SOS Children’s Villages, 128 children and 49 caregivers have been enrolled in a five-year family strengthening and livelihood program. This initiative focuses on building household resilience through comprehensive support and empowerment.

SOS Children’s Villages is the world’s largest organization focused on ensuring that children and young people without parental care or at risk of losing it grow up with the care, relationships, and support they need to become their strongest selves.

In furtherance of the government’s commitment to economic independence for families, the MoGCSP, with support from Christ Embassy Church, has enrolled 160 caregivers in six-month Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs. These training courses are tailored to individual interests, promoting autonomy and economic self-reliance.

MoGCSP emphasized that the “Support A Child, Save The Future” initiative is driven by a multi-stakeholder approach collaborating with key partners including UNICEF, Street Child Liberia, SOS Children’s Villages, GiveDirectly, Save the Children, Christ Embassy Church, and the Chinese Embassy.

The massive joint efforts have provided holistic support ranging from healthcare and education to psychosocial services and family integration for thousands of children.

“This initiative marks a historic and transformative step toward salvaging the future of Liberia’s children. Every child deserves a life filled with dignity, hope, and opportunity. These results show that when government and partners work together, sustainable change is achievable,” Minister Gbeme Horace Kollie pointed out.

While the gains are commendable, challenges persist, which is why the MoGCSP urges parents and guardians to avoid placing children in the care of unverified individuals under the pretense of providing better opportunities. Such actions, the ministry says, often expose children to exploitation and abuse.

MoGCSP has also issued a strong call against using children as income earners through street vending, domestic labor, or other exploitative activities. “Children belong in school, not on the streets or in marketplaces. Let us give them the future they deserve.”

It can be recalled that during program marking at the official launch of the initiative in August 2024, President Boakai emphasized the government’s renewed commitment to accountability and resource stewardship.

The Liberian leader did not fall short in mentioning the historical impact of corruption and inefficiency in derailing such critical national interventions.

“We must hold to account those who misuse public resources that should be used to secure a better future for all, especially our children,” President Boakai asserted.

As the initiative transitions into its second phase, the MoGCSP announces the onboarding of four vetted Child Protection Network (CPN) organizations to oversee the continued removal, documentation, and referral of street-connected children to relevant services.

The “Support A Child, Save The Future” project is more than a humanitarian mission; it is a national development agenda, and with an unwavering commitment and expanded partnerships, it has the potential to transform thousands of lives and redefine the future of child welfare in Liberia.