The Government of Liberia Launches Street growing kids program, Reaffirms Commitment to Early Childhood Education and Welfare

By Desmond Gbeleh Wion

Monrovia, Capitol Hill — The Government of Liberia through the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection has launched a landmark initiative aimed at providing educational opportunities and social support for street-connected children, as part of its broader commitment to child welfare and inclusive development.

The program, unveiled in Monrovia by the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection in collaboration with the nonprofit organizing named Street child Liberia , is designed to reintegrate thousands of vulnerable children—often referred to as “street-growing kids”—into formal education systems and safe living environments.

Disclosing the launch event held at the MICAT Press briefing, Minister Daniel Sando, said the initiative is a bold response to the growing population of children living and working on the streets, many of whom are street sellers, breadwinners and orphans, as such, they are exposed to abuse, exploitation, and long-term socio-economic exclusion.

“Our children are the future of Liberia. No child should be left behind, no matter their circumstances,” this has been President Joseph Nuymah Boakai’s passionate hope for the young girls and boys of Liberia “This program is about giving hope, protection, and a real chance at life to those who have been forgotten or overlooked.”

The new initiative, which can be titled as “Back to School, Back to Hope”, will offer immediate access to temporary shelters, psychosocial support, and non-formal learning, followed by enrollment into formal schools with scholarships, uniforms, learning materials, and mentorship programs.

In collaboration with Street child Liberia, UNICEF, Save the Children, and other development partners, the government will also conduct a nationwide census and needs assessment of street-connected children to ensure that interventions are tailored, data-driven, and sustainable.

The Ministry of Information, moreover praised the initiative as a critical step toward achieving the country’s goals under the Education Sector Plan. “This effort ensures that every Liberian child, regardless of their background, is given the opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s progress,” Minister Sando stated. Additionally, this program is part of President Boakai’s initiative aimed at fostering quality education for all Liberian kids, meanwhile, reassuring that the President “One Child, One Chair” program will place high emphasis in this regard.

Community leaders, civil society organizations, and faith-based groups are expected to play a key role in the identification, rehabilitation, and long-term support of children benefiting from the program. Special focus will be placed on reuniting children with their families where possible, or finding safe foster care alternatives.

The initiative comes amid increasing concerns over child homelessness in urban centers like Monrovia, Buchanan, and Ganta, and aligns with the government’s renewed commitment under the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 4 (Quality Education) and Goal 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).

Parents, educators, and child rights advocates have hailed the program as a long-overdue intervention and a critical investment in the country’s human capital.

The first phase of the Back to School, Back to Hope program will be rolled out in Montserrado County beginning in this year 2025, with plans to expand nationwide by the end of the year.