By: James Myking Suah
CAPITOL HILL – Children from Grand Kru, Maryland, and Montserrado counties have united in a powerful appeal to the Liberian Senate, raising concerns over critical issues that hinder their growth and development.
During a recent session of the Peace Through Fair Play Camp in Monrovia—organized by the Gbowee Peace Foundation—young representatives from the three counties submitted a formal petition to lawmakers.
Their position statement addressed the many challenges they face in education, healthcare, and community safety.
Education: A System Under Pressure
The children highlighted several ongoing problems in their schools: A shortage of qualified classroom teachers, lack of updated textbooks, inadequate science laboratories, overcrowded learning environments and long commutes—some children walk up to five kilometers to reach school
These issues, they stressed, severely limit their ability to learn and thrive.
Concerns about healthcare were also central to the petition. The young petitioners reported that: Clinics are often far from communities, there is a serious lack of medical personnel and supplies, and many ill children and pregnant women must travel long distances to larger cities for vaccinations and check-ups
“Our parents work hard,” the children explained, “but many do not have steady jobs. Some farm or sell in the market, but their earnings can’t always cover school fees. Because of this, many students are sent home due to unpaid arrears.”
Another key issue raised was the absence of a strong justice system in rural areas. The children noted that limited access to police and legal services leaves families feeling vulnerable—especially when abuse or violence occurs.
Children’s Recommendations to Lawmakers
The petition concluded with a set of urgent recommendations:
- Invest in Education: Hire more qualified teachers, provide updated textbooks, and improve school facilities.
- Improve Health Services: Build more clinics, supply essential medicines and equipment, and enable mobile health teams to reach remote areas.
- Create Jobs: Develop training centers and support local businesses to generate income for parents, youth, and graduates.
- Strengthen Justice Systems: Ensure that police stations and courts are accessible to all communities, enhancing safety and justice.
The children believe that addressing these issues is crucial to securing a brighter and more peaceful future for Liberia.
Senate Responds with Promises of Action
In response, Senator Gbleh-bo Brown of Maryland County, speaking on behalf of Senate Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence, praised the initiative and thanked the Gbowee Peace Foundation for giving children a platform to engage directly with lawmakers.
Senator Brown assured the young petitioners that the Senate remains committed to addressing their concerns.
He emphasized plans to increase national budget allocations for both the Ministries of Health and Education to better serve children across the country.
Appreciation for the Gbowee Peace Foundation
The children also expressed heartfelt thanks to Nobel Laureate Madam Leymah R. Gbowee and her foundation for empowering them to speak up.
They acknowledged the importance of initiatives like the Peace Through Fair Play Camp, which gave them a rare opportunity to interact with decision-makers.
They also commended the Senate for recent development efforts—including road construction, the building of new schools and hospitals, and improvements in access to safe drinking water.
