Freetown, 4th September 2024 (SLENA) – The Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs today hosted a distinguished delegation from Liberia led by the Deputy Minister of Gender and Social Protection, Mrs. Garmai S. Tokpah. The visit aimed to strengthen collaborative efforts between Sierra Leone and Liberia to address child welfare and protection issues.
The meeting at the Ministry’s offices brought together key figures from both nations, including representatives from UNICEF, the National Children’s Forum Network Sierra Leone President, and various child protection specialists. Deputy Minister BindiHindowa welcomed the Liberian delegation and highlighted Sierra Leone’s commitment to enhancing child protection through ongoing legislative efforts. He noted the significance of the proposed “Child Rights Act,” which is currently awaiting parliamentary approval, and emphasized the President of Sierra Leone’s role in prioritizing child welfare.
Mrs. Garmai S. Tokpah discussed Liberia’s challenges and initiatives, noting that approximately 3,500 children are on the streets. She detailed the “District Children Project,” which aims to rescue street children and place them in childcare centers or with foster families. Mrs. Tokpah also highlighted the collaborative efforts with Save the Children and UNICEF to rehabilitate and reintegrate these children into society.
UNICEF representatives supported child welfare initiatives and expressed interest in learning from Sierra Leone’s experiences. They emphasized the importance of mutual learning and collaboration to enhance child protection strategies.
Mrs. Addie Valcarcel, Director of the National Commission for Children’s Advocacy and Outreach Sierra Leone, discussed the commission’s mandate to uphold the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and its role in protecting children’s rights. She stressed the importance of safeguarding children’s fundamental rights, including education and protection from abuse.
The meeting also addressed various challenges faced by children, such as early marriage, domestic violence, and child trafficking. The Director of Children’s Affairs Sierra Leone outlined the Ministry’s efforts to tackle these issues, including programs conducted in rural areas and the establishment of support centers for victims of abuse.
The session concluded with an open discussion, where Mrs. Tokpah extended an invitation for future visits and continued collaboration. The event underscored the commitment of both countries to enhancing child welfare and solidifying their partnership in addressing shared challenges.
Kelvin Mark Kargbo
