In a heartwarming gesture that underscores the government’s commitment to the welfare of vulnerable groups, the Department of Gender at the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, led by Deputy Minister Laura Kolakeh, made a significant donation on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, to key institutions that provide critical services to women and children. The team visited a one-stop center and two safe homes, bringing with them much-needed food and non-food items.
The donation, according to Deputy Minister Kolakeh, is part of the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to identify with and support entities that work tirelessly to protect and uplift women and children across Liberia. “These institutions are lifelines for many who have faced unimaginable hardships,” Kolakeh stated during the handover ceremony. Our contribution today is a small but important gesture to ensure that they have the resources needed to continue their vital work.”
The one-stop center and safe homes have long been pillars of support for victims of abuse, providing a safe haven, counseling, and essential services to those in need. The one-stop center offers comprehensive services, including medical care, legal assistance, and psychological support, all under one roof, making it easier for survivors to access the help they need. Meanwhile, the safe homes provide refuge and rehabilitation services to women and children who encountered dangerous situations.
The items donated by the Ministry included rice, oil, canned goods, clothing, toiletries, and bedding materials, among others. These essentials will go a long way in meeting the day-to-day needs of the women and children who rely on these facilities.
The staff at the one-stop center and the safe homes expressed deep gratitude for the support, noting that the Ministry’s contribution will significantly ease the burden of providing for their residents. “This donation is a testament to the Ministry’s dedication to our shared mission of safeguarding the most vulnerable in our society,” said one of the safe home coordinators.
Deputy Minister Kolakeh also took the opportunity to engage with the staff and residents at each facility, listening to their stories and discussing how the Ministry can continue to support their work. “Our role at the Ministry is not just to develop policies but to ensure that those policies translate into real, tangible support for those who need it most,” she remarked.
The donation is part of a broader initiative by the Ministry to enhance its collaboration with organizations and institutions that serve women and children. The Ministry plans to continue its outreach and support efforts, recognizing that collective action is essential to addressing the challenges faced by vulnerable populations in Liberia.
As the team departed, there was a renewed sense of hope and solidarity among the staff and residents at the one-stop center and safe homes. Deputy Minister Kolakeh’s visit and the Ministry’s donation served as a reminder that their work is valued and that they are not alone in their mission to create a safer, more supportive environment for women and children in Liberia.
