The SOS Hermann Gmeiner International School joined millions of children across Africa to celebrate the Day of the African Child Monday, held at Kindergarten Hall, SOS Children Village, Monrovia.
Speaking at the official celebration, the Country Director of the SOS Children’s Village Liberia, Prosper Ndione, underscored the need for the Government of Liberia (GOL) to prioritize quality education in Liberia.
Director Ndione stated that education is key to any nation transforming the socio-economic development of the people and the country, and Liberia is no exception. He noted that access to quality education remains a cornerstone for development and empowerment, but despite progress made so far there are 1.4 million children in Liberia who still face barriers to education.
According to him, the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Education Analysis 2022 shows that the gross enrollment rate in Liberia currently is 881,131.
The SOS boss indicated that enrollment at the lower primary level decreased by more than 50,000 students from 2015 to 2020, while all other levels witnessed slight increases in overall enrollment.
He maintained that government should prioritized early childhood development, which is a clear government priority at the policy level. However, he observed, access in public schools still requires payment of fees, including the purchase of uniform. He pointed out that SOS Children’s Villages is committed to breaking down these barriers and ensuring that every child, regardless of their background or circumstances, has the opportunity to learn or thrive.
Director Ndione emphasized that education is a fundamental right and a powerful tool for breaking the cycle of poverty.
He then urged the Liberian government to build more public schools and universities to enhance the enrollment of Liberian students in schools across the country. The Day of the African Child (DAC) was instituted in 1991 by the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), now African Union (AU), in memory of the 16th June 1976 student uprising in Soweto, South Africa.
At that time, students marched protesting the poor-quality education they received, demanding to be taught in their languages. During the protest hundreds of school children were killed.
The Day of the African Child is celebrated to commemorate these children and the brave action they took to defend their rights.
The Day of the African Child also serves to celebrate children of Africa as well as inspire a sober reflection and action towards addressing the challenges that children in Africa face on a daily basis.
