A transformative initiative aimed at enrolling over 50,000 street children into school in Liberia over the next six years was celebrated at a high-level side event at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, United States of America.
Originally announced last month, the project, led by the Government of Liberia in partnership with the international charity body, Street Child, marks a significant step towards securing a brighter future for Liberia’s most vulnerable children.
Speaking at the event, President Joseph N. Boakai underscored the urgency of addressing the plight of street children in Liberia. “Children are not just statistics; they are young lives, often living in the shadows,” President Boakai said.
He said every child deserves safety, security, and access to education, and through this initiative, his government aims to provide that opportunity to thousands of Liberia’s most vulnerable children, as this is not just about addressing immediate needs, but about laying the foundation for long-term change.
The Liberian leader said this groundbreaking project is part of a larger effort to provide not only education but also holistic support for these children and their families.
In collaboration with Street Child, President Boakai said the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection will offer livelihood support and grants to caregivers, addressing the systemic challenges that have long perpetuated the vulnerabilities of children living in street situations, many of whom suffer from malnutrition, homelessness and exploitation.
Concluding, President Boakai said, “Today, I call on all of you to join us in this mission to restore dignity, protection, and hope for every child, both in Liberia and across the world.” Tom Dannatt, CEO and Founder of Street Child International, applauded the Liberian Government’s commitment, particularly the leadership of President Boakai.
Dannatt said, “Street Child is proud to prioritize Liberia, especially as His Excellency mobilizes his cabinet to tackle this issue. It is truly inspiring to operate in an environment with such strong political will. Durable solutions require a joined-up approach—combining social, educational, and livelihood initiatives. With support from all corners of the government, this is the ideal setting for us to work. We have a proven model, an outstanding team, and government backing, but to bring this project to the scale it deserves, we urgently need funding. We call on all actors to get behind this initiative and help us create lasting change for Liberia’s children.”
Dannatt reinforced the urgency of scaling up support, saying “We have the political will, the expertise, and models that work—but we need more resources to bring this project to its full potential. Our partnership with the Government of Liberia is a powerful starting point, but we need the support of international actors, donors, and the private sector to ensure every child has the chance to thrive.”
At the event, President Boakai’s call to action was echoed by senior cabinet members, including the Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, who emphasized the collective responsibility of safeguarding the future of Liberia’s youth.
“Our children are the future, and without decisive action, that future is at risk. By working with Street Child and other partners, we are laying the foundation for a brighter future for every child in Liberia,” the Minister said.
This collaborative initiative also involves key ministries such as the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Youth and Sports, showcasing a comprehensive effort across the Liberian Government.
Minister of Education Dr. Jarso Marley Jallah highlighted the critical need to integrate educational efforts with broader social support systems, noting, “This partnership represents an important opportunity to align education efforts with broader social policies. When we work together—across ministries and with partners like Street Child—we can ensure that every child in Liberia has the opportunity to thrive.”
Similarly, Minister of Youth and Sports Cole Bagalu stressed the importance of inter-ministerial cooperation to achieve long-lasting solutions.
He said “To address these challenges comprehensively, it is crucial that all ministries work together. Lasting outcomes for children in street situations will only come from a united effort.”
This event, held during the prestigious UN General Assembly, drew global attention not only to Liberia’s street-connected children but also to the broader global crisis of vulnerable children lacking access to education and essential services. Liberia’s bold step supported by Street Child International is aimed at making a profound impact on the lives of tens of thousands of children.
This initiative is a vital part of Liberia’s broader strategy to break the cycle of poverty and exclusion by providing education, social support, and economic opportunities for both street children and their caregivers.
As the event drew to a close, the shared message was clear: with collaboration, determination, and sufficient resources, a future where every child in Liberia has access to education and opportunity is not only possible but within reach.
Street Child is one of the world’s fastest-growing international children’s charities, founded in 2008. Street Child works to ensure that children are safe, in school, and learning, particularly in low-resource environments and emergency situations. Through an expanding network of local organizations, the charity focuses on empowering grassroots efforts. Since its first partnership in Sierra Leone in 2008, Street Child has grown to operate in over 25 countries across sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. The event was attended by an array of Liberian Government officials.
