MONROVIA: SOS Children’s Villages in Liberia National Director, Prosper Ndione, has disclosed that, education is a fundamental right and a powerful tool for breaking the cycle of poverty.
He said Early Childhood Development (ECD) and care are key domains of the Education Agenda 2030 through Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4-which seeks to ensure that all girls and boys have access to quality education.
“On this Day of the African Child, we renew our pledge to work alongside the government, communities, and partners to create inclusive, safe, and supportive learning environments for all children.
“Protecting children from harm,
protection from violence, exploitation, and abuse is equally critical for the well-being and development of children,” he stressed.
Speaking over the weekend at program marking the SOS Children’s Villages in Liberia’s Celebration of the Day of the African Child, Mr. Ndione stressed that, SOS Children’s Villages efforts in Liberia focus on supporting families, strengthening child protection systems, and advocating for policies that safeguard children’s rights and also emphasized the need for the Education and Protection for a Brighter Future of children.
“In addition to education, children need to be protected from harm to reach their full potential, SOS is committed and also dedicated to ensuring that every child grows up in a safe and nurturing environment where they can flourish.
According to him, as part of the commemoration of the DAC, SOS Children’s Village in Liberia hosted series of events and activities, giving children and youth a platform to share their dreams, aspirations, and ideas.
“These voices are crucial in shaping policies and programs that directly impact their lives.
SOS Children’s Villages in Liberia calls on the government, partners, and civil society to join this effort. By investing in education and protection, we can unlock the full potential of every Liberian child and pave the way for a brighter, more equitable future,” Mr. Ndione said.
He told the gathering that, SOS Children’s Villages in Liberia was happy to joins millions across Africa in commemorating the Day of the African Child (DAC), a day dedicated to raising awareness about the challenges faced by African children and the urgent need to promote their rights, particularly in education and protection.
This year’s global theme: “Education for all children in Africa: the time is now,” and the National Theme: “Promoting inclusive and resilient educational system for every child in Liberia” underscores the critical importance of providing quality education and safeguarding the well-being of children to ensure they can thrive and contribute to their communities and country,” he said.
Mr. Ndione indicated that, access to quality education remains a cornerstone for development and empowerment indicating that, despite progress made, there are 1.4 million children in Liberia who still face barriers to education.
Quoting a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Education Sector Analysis of 2022 Mr. Ndione noted that, the Gross enrollment rate in Liberia currently is 881,131.
He emphasized that, enrollment at the lower primary level decreased by more than 50,000 students from 2015 to 2020, while all other levels witnessed slight increases in overall enrollment.
He added that, education for Every Child
Liberia’s New Education Reform Act of 2011 made primary education compulsory and needed for all Liberians through the ninth grade.
“Early Childhood Development (ECD) is a clear government priority at the policy level however, access in public schools still requires payment of fees – including the purchase of uniforms,” he said.
He reiterated that, SOS Children’s Villages is committed to breaking down these barriers and ensuring that every child, regardless of their background or circumstances, has the opportunity to learn and thrive.
