Monrovia — A new initiative by the Community Healthcare Initiative (CHI) is helping Liberian students break cultural barriers and express themselves more freely.
On Tuesday, February 25, 2025, CHI introduced “talking boxes” in eight public schools in the Paynesville area, just outside Monrovia. These boxes provide a safe space for students—particularly girls—to share their thoughts and concerns without fear of bullying or backlash.
Fostering Open Communication in Schools
The program aims to encourage self-expression among young people, challenging societal norms that often discourage students from speaking up.
“These talking boxes are meant to create a space where students can express themselves freely without the fear of being ridiculed,” explained Naomi Solanke, Executive Director of CHI, during the launch at Paynesville Community School.
Since its founding in 2014, CHI has focused on delivering essential healthcare and social services to underserved women and children in Liberia. The organization saw the need for a platform that allows young people to voice their concerns without being dismissed as disrespectful or rebellious.
“In many households, children aren’t encouraged to speak their minds. When they do, it’s often misunderstood as a sign of defiance,” Ms. Solanke shared, reflecting on her own childhood experiences during Liberia’s civil war.
Building Leadership and Confidence
Beyond encouraging self-expression, the talking boxes initiative is also designed to help students develop leadership and communication skills.
“The goal of this program is to teach students how to express themselves in a way that others will listen,” Ms. Solanke told the students. “Investing in young people helps them grow into confident individuals.”
Schools Benefiting from the Initiative
The following schools are among those receiving talking boxes:
Paynesville Community School
Kendeja Public School
JP Mitchell Public School
D. Twe Public School
G.W. Gibson Public School
Lango Lippye Public School
E.J. Yancy Public School
Sammy N. Yarpawolo, principal of Paynesville Community School, praised the initiative, calling it a much-needed intervention.
“Many students struggle to express their opinions. With these talking boxes, they now have a way to communicate their thoughts and feelings,” he said.
Joseph T. Fallah, District Education Officer for Marshall District, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of addressing student silence.
“We deeply appreciate CHI for stepping in to tackle this long-standing issue,” he noted.
The Ministry of Gender, represented by Bennietta Jaltoe, commended CHI’s efforts and expressed commitment to ongoing collaboration.
“Teaching students how to express themselves is crucial to their development,” Ms. Jaltoe emphasized.
Students Embrace the Initiative
Harriet T. Weah, a student representative from Paynesville Community High School, expressed excitement about the program.
“Many times, we have concerns at school and home, but finding a way to express them has been difficult,” she said. “As female students, we often face bullying, but with these talking boxes, we now have a platform to be heard.”
The launch event saw participation from government officials, including representatives from the Ministries of Education, Health, and Gender, along with enthusiastic students from the participating schools.
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