Sierra Leone and Liberia Boost Child Welfare Collaboration
Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs hosted a Liberian delegation led by Deputy Minister of Gender and Social Protection, Mrs. Garmai S. Tokpah, to enhance child welfare cooperation. Key participants included UNICEF representatives, the President of the National Children’s Forum Network Sierra Leone, and child protection experts.
Deputy Minister Bindi Hindowa underscored Sierra Leone’s dedication to child protection with the forthcoming “Child Rights Act,” pending parliamentary approval. Mrs. Tokpah discussed Liberia’s challenges, including around 3,500 street children, and introduced the “District Children Project,” which aims to rescue and rehabilitate these children with support from Save the Children and UNICEF. UNICEF representatives expressed interest in Sierra Leone’s practices and advocated for mutual learning. Mrs. Addie Valcarcel, Director of the National Commission for Children’s Advocacy and Outreach Sierra Leone, emphasized the commission’s role in promoting children’s rights, including education and protection from abuse.
The meeting concluded with Mrs. Tokpah extending an invitation for future visits and ongoing collaboration, highlighting the shared commitment of Sierra Leone and Liberia to advancing child welfare.
