Liberia: UNICEF, Partners Host Dialogue On Safe Learning, Officials Stress Action

MONROVIA – UNICEF, in partnership with other key agencies, over the weekend convened a pivotal National Policy Dialogue under the theme: “From Commitments to Action: Making Learning and Skills Development Institutions Safe from Violence.”

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By Francis G. Boayue

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The high-level forum brought together government officials, UN agencies, and civil society partners to chart a concrete path forward for protecting children in educational and vocational settings.

The dialogue centered on translating existing policy commitments into measurable actions to ensure that all educational environments, particularly Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions, are free from all forms of violence and abuse.

During the program, several principal figures called for immediate and expanded action.

Hellen Nyangoya, Chief of Child Protection, UNICEF, delivered a powerful statement advocating for universal access to vocational education, declaring, “We must ensure TVET education is accessible to every child in Liberia, but more importantly, that these spaces are inherently safe, protective environments.”

Also speaking, Catherine Naserian, Gender and CSO Advisor at UNIDO, stressed the critical role of gender mainstreaming and civil society collaboration in the process.

She highlighted the need for robust institutional policies that specifically address gender-based violence within skills development centers.

For her part, Gloria Yancy, UNFPA Gender Program Specialist, lauded the initiative, commending the partners for moving the conversation beyond mere policy formulation and into the realm of accountability and implementation.

The Technical Assistant to the Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Alfreda B. Jacobs, affirmed the Ministry’s commitment, noting that the dialogue aligns directly with the government’s efforts to strengthen child protection mechanisms across all sectors.