By Amara Konneh
MONROVIA, June 17 (LINA) – The Government of Liberia through the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection has reaffirmed its commitment to provide protection and well-being for the all children aim at advancing sustainable access to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) services across the country.
According to a Ministry of Gender, Children Social Protection, release issued recently, Minister Gbeme Horace-Kollie made the disclosure at the official launch of the 2026 Day of the African Child celebrations, at the ministerial complex in Congo Town as she stresses the Government of Liberia fullest commitment to design educational activities and mechanisms for the wellbeing of all children in every sector of the society.
Madam Horace-Kollie added that this year African Child celebration will take place in Voinjama, Lofa County, from June 13-17 and it will be celebrated under the theme: ” Ensuring Universal Access to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene for Every Child in Africa,”
As Minister Horace-Kollie outlined the significance of the event, she described it as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by the schoolchildren of Soweto, South Africa, who on June 16, 1976, courageously stood against educational injustice.
The observance of the African Child Celebration will also highlight the lasting legacies of those brave men and women who against injustices human rights and child abuses as means of motivation that will continue to inspire African nations to champion the rights, dignity, and development of every child.
She said as part of this year’s observance, children from all fifteen counties will converge in Voinjama for a week-long series of educational, leadership, and advocacy activities aimed at amplifying children’s voices and promoting child-centered development initiatives.
The Gender, Children and Social Protection Minister highlighted that major activities of the celebrations will be the National Children’s Representative Elections, scheduled for June 14, 2026, which will usher in a new leadership of the Liberia Children’s Representative Forum.
The activities of the African Child Celebration include; June 13: Arrival of child delegates in Voinjama, Lofa County; June 14: National Children’s Representative Elections; June 15: Community outreach and educational engagements focusing on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH); June 16: Official Day of the African Child celebrations, featuring a colorful parade through the principal streets of Voinjama followed by a national program at the Voinjama City Hall.
At the same time, Minister Horace-Kollie reiterated the Government of Liberia’s commitment to child-responsive planning, budgeting, and policy reforms that prioritize investments in child-friendly WASH infrastructure, hygiene education, menstrual health management, climate-resilient systems, and inclusive social services.
Meanwhile Minister Horace-Kollie called on government institutions, development partners, civil society organizations, the private sector, local communities, families, amongst others to work collectively toward sustainable WASH solutions that guarantee healthier, safer, and more dignified lives for every Liberian child.