Liberia has marked a new milestone in child-centered education and community engagement as the Kids Educational Engagement Project (KEEP Liberia) successfully hosted the first edition of its PlayFest, a vibrant, family-oriented event aimed at promoting literacy through the power of play.
By: Julius Konton
The day-long celebration, held at the Invincible Sports Park in Monrovia, brought together children, parents, educators, and community members in an atmosphere filled with games, physical exercises, storytelling, and interactive learning activities.
Organizers described the event as both a joyful family gathering and a strategic platform to strengthen Liberia’s reading culture.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, KEEP Liberia Executive Director Brenda Brewer Moore said the PlayFest was designed to go beyond entertainment, serving as a tool to encourage early learning and lifelong literacy.
“This event is not just about fun,” Moore said. “It is about using play as a bridge to literacy, bringing families together while reinforcing the importance of reading and learning in a child’s development.”
Promoting Literacy Through Innovation
KEEP Liberia, a non-profit organization, has been at the forefront of literacy promotion, advocacy, and educational empowerment across the country for the past twelve years.
Through community-driven initiatives, the organization has reached fourteen of Liberia’s 15 counties, making it one of the most impactful grassroots literacy movements in the nation.
Since its establishment, KEEP Liberia has focused on creating safe and accessible learning spaces for children, particularly in underserved communities.
Its achievements include the construction of 45 mini libraries (community reading rooms), the publication of seven children’s books, and the distribution of thousands of educational materials nationwide.
In collaboration with the Liberian Ministry of Education, KEEP has also produced the National Student Handbook, which is expected to be officially launched soon, an effort aimed at standardizing student guidance and academic engagement across the country.
Changing Lives Beyond the Classroom
According to Moore, KEEP Liberia’s mission centers on fostering literacy as a pathway to opportunity and empowerment for children and young people.
“We have established community reading rooms, distributed thousands of books, trained teachers, and mentored students in public speaking, civic education, and leadership,” she explained.
“Our work helps depopulate the streets and populate the classrooms, ensuring children are inspired to learn and grow.”
Beyond traditional literacy programs, KEEP Liberia has amplified children’s voices through storytelling initiatives, literacy campaigns, and creative learning platforms that make education both accessible and enjoyable.
PlayFest as a Fundraiser and Movement
This year’s KEEP PlayFest also served as a fundraiser, blending entertainment with purpose.
Activities included storytelling sessions, group exercises, reading games, and cultural performances, all designed to foster social connection while reinforcing educational values.
Organizers say the success of the inaugural PlayFest signals the beginning of what could become an annual national event, one that celebrates childhood, strengthens families, and advances Liberia’s literacy agenda.
As Liberia continues to confront challenges in education access and learning outcomes, initiatives like KEEP PlayFest highlight the growing role of civil society in shaping innovative, community-based solutions where play becomes a powerful tool for learning and national development.
