#Gender Minister Launches Activities; Calls for Sustainable WASH Investment for Every Child
(Monrovia, Liberia – June 7, 2026), The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MGCSP) has officially launched the 2026 Day of the African Child (DAC) celebrations, with this year’s national observance set to take place in Voinjama, Lofa County, from June 13–17.
Launching the celebrations during a special press conference at the Ministerial Complex in Congo Town on Sunday, Gender Minister Hon. Gbeme Horace-Kollie reaffirmed the Government of Liberia’s steadfast commitment to protecting the rights and well-being of children while advancing sustainable access to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) services across the country.
Minister Horace-Kollie highlighted this year’s global theme, “Ensuring Universal Access to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene for Every Child in Africa,” alongside Liberia’s national theme, “Advancing Sustainable WASH Financing and Hygiene Education for Every Liberian Child.”
According to the Minister, the Day of the African Child remains a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by the schoolchildren of Soweto, South Africa, who on June 16, 1976, courageously stood against educational injustice. Their legacy, she noted, continues to inspire African nations to champion the rights, dignity, and development of every child.
She stressed that access to clean water, safe sanitation, and proper hygiene is not merely a developmental goal but a fundamental human right that directly influences children’s health, education, protection, and future opportunities.
“Access to safe water and sanitation is essential for every child’s survival, dignity, and opportunity to thrive. Sustainable investments in WASH infrastructure and hygiene education are investments in Liberia’s future,” Minister Horace-Kollie declared.
The Minister acknowledged that while Liberia has made meaningful strides in expanding access to basic drinking water through collaborative efforts with development partners, substantial challenges persist. Many communities, schools, and healthcare facilities continue to face inadequate WASH infrastructure, leaving thousands of children vulnerable to preventable diseases and poor educational outcomes.
She further commended the invaluable contributions of frontline child protection actors and development partners, including the Child Protection Network of Liberia, UNICEF, Plan International, SOS Children’s Villages, the Liberia Children’s Representative Forum, and other local and international organizations for their unwavering support in promoting child rights and welfare across Liberia.
As part of this year’s observance, children from all fifteen counties will converge in Voinjama for a week-long series of educational, leadership, and advocacy activities aimed at amplifying children’s voices and promoting child-centered development initiatives.
A major highlight of the celebrations will be the National Children’s Representative Elections, scheduled for June 14, 2026, which will usher in a new leadership of the Liberia Children’s Representative Forum.
The activities are scheduled as follows:
• June 13: Arrival of child delegates in Voinjama, Lofa County;
• June 14: National Children’s Representative Elections;
• June 15: Community outreach and educational engagements focusing on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH);
• June 16: Official Day of the African Child celebrations, featuring a colorful parade through the principal streets of Voinjama followed by a national program at the Voinjama City Hall.
Minister Horace-Kollie reiterated the Government of Liberia’s commitment to child-responsive planning, budgeting, and policy reforms that prioritize investments in child-friendly WASH infrastructure, hygiene education, menstrual health management, climate-resilient systems, and inclusive social services.
She called on government institutions, development partners, civil society organizations, the private sector, local communities, families, and children themselves to work collectively toward sustainable WASH solutions that guarantee healthier, safer, and more dignified lives for every Liberian child.
The Ministry also extended profound appreciation to its partners and stakeholders whose collaboration continues to strengthen child protection and development efforts throughout Liberia.
Signed:
D. Webster Cassell
Communication Specialist
Ministry Of Gender, Children And Social Protection-Liberia
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