By: Cooper K. Sangar Jr.
MONROVIA – The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection has announced plans to send more than 3,000 street children to school during the upcoming academic year as part of its “Save the Future” Project. The initiative also seeks to ensure that children living with disabilities gain access to quality education.
Speaking during an engagement with persons living with disabilities on Tuesday in Congo Town, Project Director Alex Devine emphasized that the effort is targeted at Liberia’s most vulnerable populations.
“The project is designed for the most vulnerable groups,” Devine stated. “If the visually impaired are among them, they are included. Single mothers, parents who cannot afford school fees, and their out-of-school children — all are part of the project.”
Devine referenced findings from a 2024 policy document titled “Role Map on Children Living in Street Situations Across Liberia”, which highlighted the shocking scale of the issue.
“The document revealed something very startling,” he said. “It estimates that there are about 366,584 children in Liberia living in different street conditions — whether selling, begging, being domestically trafficked, or living on the streets with or without their parents.”
He explained that the Save the Future Project aims to move children off the streets and into classrooms, providing the essentials they need to thrive and succeed.
“Our goal is to create opportunities. This means not just providing education but addressing the root causes — like poverty,” he said. “We’re empowering families with cash grants to start small businesses so they can support their children’s education sustainably.”
Also speaking at the event, Deputy Minister for Gender and Social Protection Garmie Tokpah reiterated the government’s commitment to upholding education as a fundamental right for all children.
“We have a responsibility to make sure every child’s life is preserved, protected, and that they are given the future they deserve,” said Tokpah. She noted that the session was also meant to gather input from persons with disabilities on the barriers they face in accessing education and social services.
The meeting, held at the Ministerial Complex, brought together stakeholders and individuals living with various forms of disability. Discussions focused on outlining the daily challenges facing Liberia’s most marginalized populations and how government programs can better respond.
