…Minister Horace-Kollie Takes The Lead
In a firm step towards safeguarding Liberia’s future, the Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection on Monday, December 9, 2024, took to the streets as part of a 13-day operation aimed at the immediate removal of children from the streets.
The exercise is part of the Ministry’s broader “Support a Child, Save the Future” initiative, designed to ensure that vulnerable children are provided with safe, supportive environments through reunification with families, foster care placements, or temporary transit homes.
On the first day of the operation, Gender Minister, Hon. Gbemee Horace-Kollie, personally led a team of social workers in the streets, engaging directly with street children. During the outreach, the team encountered several children who shared heartbreaking stories.
Many children explained how they were brought to the streets with the promise of education but ended up as breadwinners for their families. Others recounted experiences of abandonment. The Minister expressed dismay at their stories, describing them as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by Liberia’s most vulnerable.
“This is more than an intervention, it is a call to action for our society to protect its most vulnerable. These children are our future, and we are determined to give them the opportunities they deserve,” said Minister Horace-Kollie.
To ensure the success of this initiative, the Ministry has divided the city into four zones, with dedicated teams of social workers working alongside community leaders and local organizations. This strategic approach prioritizes the children’s safety and well-being while ensuring comprehensive coverage of the affected areas.
The operation also serves as a critical milestone in addressing the broader societal issues that contribute to the plight of street children, including poverty, lack of access to education, and inadequate family support systems.
As the Ministry activates this pivotal initiative, it is calling on all stakeholders, including families, community leaders, civil society organizations, and the general public, to support these efforts. The ultimate goal is to create a more inclusive and nurturing society where every child has access to education, healthcare and stable living conditions.
“This is not just the responsibility of the Ministry; it is a collective responsibility that requires the support and collaboration of all sectors of society,” Minister Horace-Kollie emphasized.
The Ministry has committed to providing regular updates on the progress of the 13-day operation. The Communication Unit will ensure transparency and keep the public informed as the initiative unfolds.
For inquiries or to report any cases of children in need, the public is encouraged to contact the Ministry directly through its Communications Unit.
Contact Information:
Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection
Communication Unit
Email: communit@mogcsp.gov.lr
Phone: +231-886-924-412
