Liberia: Save the Future Project Scales Up: Over 73,000 Street Children to Benefit from Five-Year Initiative

Monrovia – A high-level meeting held on Wednesday at the Ministerial Complex in Congo Town brought together school principals from across Montserrado County, officials from the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP), and development partners to advance the Save the Future Project a five-year initiative aimed at addressing the plight of street children in Liberia.

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By Patience M. Jones

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The project, supported by UNICEF, was launched in August 2024 by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai. A national survey revealed that 366,584 children were living in street situations across Liberia, prompting a coordinated intervention focused on academic enrollment, economic empowerment, and vocational training for caregivers.

Giving an overview, Project Lead Alex Favor Devine highlighted the initiative’s impact and expansion:

Academic Enrollment: 1,400 children were enrolled in schools last year, 1,004 through Street Child Liberia and 300 through the Government of Liberia.

Economic Empowerment: Gift Direct donated $500,000, supporting 800 households in West Point with cash transfers.

Vocational Training: 150 caregivers were enrolled in vocational programs, with graduations expected in the coming months.

Devine emphasized the government’s commitment, noting that funding for the project has increased from $300,000 to $500,000. This year, the initiative aims to enroll 1,600 students and empower 950 caregivers, including visually impaired parents.

Delivering welcome remarks, Mr. Mike Fayiah Davis, Technical Assistant at MoGCSP, praised principals for their role in ensuring children’s retention in schools:

“Retention gives us a testimony and a track record. It shows that we can take kids off the streets and give them a future. This partnership is not just about enrollment, it is about transforming lives,” Davis said, assuring schools of timely financial support.

Mr. Sylvester Taylor, Comptroller of the Ministry, outlined key requirements for schools to qualify for government funding, including valid business registration, tax clearance, articles of incorporation, Ministry of Education permits, and institutional bank accounts. He stressed compliance, accountability, and transparency in processing payments.

Mr. Nyuwo Mulbah, Internal Auditor, reinforced the importance of proper documentation to avoid delays and audit risks, while Deputy Minister for Administration, Mr. Fredrick S. Cooper, underscored the President’s vision:

“The optics of children begging on the streets do not reflect well on us as a country. This project is designed to restore dignity and hope, while strengthening Liberia’s image globally.”

The Save the Future Project targets more than 73,000 children nationwide within its five-year span, beginning with 5% in its first year. In addition to expanding enrollment and vocational training, the project will: Provide business opportunities for street children who have been on the streets for over 18 years.

Support caregivers, particularly women and visually impaired parents. Strengthen collaboration between government, development partners, and schools.

Stakeholders agreed that the project’s success depends on strong reporting systems, transparency, and sustained community partnerships.

The meeting closed with a renewed call for collaboration, as partners pledged to continue working together to ensure that Liberia’s street children transition from vulnerability to opportunity.