Published: November 21, 2024
Monrovia – The Country Representative of UNICEF to Liberia, Andy Brooks, has called on the Liberian government to urgently improve the deplorable conditions of schools, particularly in rural areas. Brooks recounted a shocking experience during a visit to a classroom in one of Liberia’s leeward counties, where the strong smell of urine was so overwhelming that it highlighted the dire state of learning environments for Liberian children.
Speaking on November 10, 2024, during the World Children’s Day celebration in Monrovia, under the theme “Listen to the Future,” Brooks shared his observations from visits to primary and secondary schools in counties including Grand Bassa, Grand Gedeh, and Bong. Accompanied by Ministry of Education officials, Brooks distributed educational materials but noted the harrowing state of classrooms.
“In one classroom, the smell of urine was unbearable. We invited the principal to join us in the room, but he could not even detect it, perhaps because he had grown accustomed to the condition,” Brooks said. He also described schools with collapsing ceilings, conditions he deemed unacceptable for children.
Brooks stressed that such environments pose severe health hazards and undermine education in Liberia. “We cannot accept this level of education for our children. The Ministry of Education must urgently address this matter,” he said.
A Call for Investment in Education and Health
Brooks urged the government to prioritize domestic investments in community-based primary health care (CBPHC) and ensure a motivated, skilled, and well-resourced community health workforce to improve access to essential health services for children, particularly in underserved areas.
He highlighted the importance of immunization programs, including the introduction of vaccines like Measles-Rubella, to prevent outbreaks of diseases such as measles and polio. Brooks called for collective action among the government, donors, and civil society to guarantee children’s health rights.
“Every child deserves a life free from violence, exploitation, and abuse. Birth registration is critical, providing children with a legal identity and access to vital services,” he noted.
Brooks also emphasized the need to finalize the Open Defecation Free (ODF) Roadmap and WASH Compact as part of Liberia’s commitment to improving water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) standards.
“Listening to the future means valuing children’s voices and ensuring their active participation in decisions that affect them,” he said.
Government Reaffirms Commitment to Children’s Rights
In his remarks, Frederick S. Cooper, Deputy Minister for Administration at the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, echoed Brooks’ concerns and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to advancing children’s rights and well-being.
“The theme for this year, ‘Listen to the Future,’ is a timely reminder that children are not just tomorrow’s leaders—they are active change-makers today,” Cooper said.
He emphasized that listening to children goes beyond kindness and represents an investment in their confidence, creativity, and critical thinking. “World Children’s Day is a call to action for governments, communities, schools, and families to champion the rights of every child. Together, we must ensure every child in Liberia has the opportunity to realize their full potential,” he added.
Discussion about this post