Tom Dannatt, the CEO and founder of the global charity Street Child, has commended the Liberian government for its “huge political will” to enhance educational access for children, particularly those connected to the streets.
His remarks come during a pivotal visit to Liberia this week as part of the newly launched “Street Child Project,” which aims to enroll 50,000 street-connected children into schools.
Launched in August 2024 and spearheaded by the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, the initiative represents a significant commitment from the Liberian government to tackle educational barriers and promote inclusive learning environments.
During his visit, Dannatt engaged in discussions with key government officials, including Gbeme Horace-Kollie, Minister of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, and Deputy Minister of Education, Nyekeh Forkpa.
He praised the “fantastic collaboration between different ministries,” emphasizing that this cooperative effort is vital in the initiative to combat the prevalence of street-connected youth in Liberia.
“Over the last few months, it has been overwhelmingly evident that the Liberian government, led by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr., brings a huge amount of political will and deep belief to its long-term initiatives,” said Dannatt. “Getting thousands of children off the streets and into classrooms is the best way to give these children the best chance in life.”
His visit followed high-level discussions at the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York City, where both President Boakai and Minister Horace-Kollie addressed the importance of cross-sector collaboration to achieve universal primary education.
The Street Child Project aligns with the broader goal of ensuring that no child is left behind, regardless of their circumstances.
By addressing the root causes of educational disenfranchisement, the Liberian government aims to create a future where every child has access to school and can thrive in a safe environment.
Street Child, founded in 2008, is one of the world’s fastest-growing international children’s charities, operating in over 25 countries. With a focus on working alongside local organizations, the charity aims to create sustainable solutions for children in low-resource settings and emergencies.