(Monrovia, Liberia, June 16, 2025), Hundreds of children from across Liberia will converge in Monrovia tomorrow, Tuesday, June 17, 2025, for an integrated celebration of the Day of the African Child (DAC) and the World Day Against Child Labor. This year’s celebration is being organized by the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection and the Ministry of Labor, in collaboration with UNICEF Liberia.
The integrated celebration aims to raise public awareness, mobilize political will, and promote sustained partnerships between government, international agencies, civil society organizations, educators, and families.
The Day of the African Child is being celebrated on June 16 every year since 1991, when it was first initiated by the OAU Organization of African Unity. The day honors those who participated in the Soweto Uprising in 1976. It also recognizes the resilience of children and reflects on the progress made in ensuring their rights across Africa.
This year, the DAC is being celebrated under a global theme, “Planning and Budgeting for Children’s Rights: Progress Since 2010,” and Liberia’s national theme, “Investing in Our Future: Prioritizing Child Rights and Ending Child Labor Through Budget and Action.” These themes call attention to the urgent need for increased investment in children’s rights, including access to education, protection from exploitation, and the right to play.
The day will begin with a parade starting at 9:00 a.m. from the SKD Boulevard Junction to the Ministerial Complex in Congo Town where an official indoor program will be held beginning at 10:00 a.m.
Approximately 500 children representing all 15 counties are expected to participate in a variety of activities, including performances, discussions, and advocacy sessions. These activities are designed to amplify children’s voices and promote national dialogue on the need for sustainable investment in child protection, education, and the elimination of child labor.
Speaking ahead of the DAC’s celebration, Hon. Gbeme Horace-Kollie, Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, emphasized the importance of moving beyond promises and into tangible action.
“This year’s celebration is not just symbolic, it is a call to action. We must commit to financing, implementing, and monitoring policies that improve the lives of children across Liberia,” she said.
The Gender Minister reiterated that investing in children is investing in the country’s future. The celebration is expected to inspire stronger policy action, deeper community engagement, and a renewed national commitment to building a Liberia where every child can learn, grow, and thrive in safety and dignity.
SIGNED:
Communication Unit
MoGCSP
