Gender Ministry impressed by LYFT Africa’s “Day of the African Child” Event

 

On June 16, 2022 at about 10:00 AM, the square of American Corner-Kakata was already a hive of activity. Dozens of children, activists and stakeholders who gathered to witness an eye-catching event organized by Leading Youths to Foster Transformation in Africa (LYFT Africa) held under the theme: “Eliminate Harmful Practices Affecting Children: Progress on Policy & Practice since 2013”.

 Approximately 90 participants observed impressive performances from children who came from different schools in Paynesville and Kakata including the ASECA School System, Moses N. Ndorbor Memorial School of Excellence, Francis Mitchell Memorial Academy, St. Augustine Episcopal Mission High School, St. Christopher Catholic High School all of Kakata and SWEEP Solid Foundation School in Paynesville. Several organizations that advocate for the promotion and protection of children’s and youth’s rights were in attendance: the Liberia National Children’s Forum, Kids Care Liberia Foundation, Kakata Community Youth Leadership, and the Liberian Poet Society.

Participants were welcomed by student Deborah J. Tokpah of SWEEP Solid School and the event was officially declared opened by Mr. Sunnie Antonio Marcar Jr, Executive Director of LYFT Africa. Student Fatu A. Giddings of the SWEEP Solid School introduced the event and Student Miatta M. Seward of St. Augustine Episcopal Mission School read the history of the Day of the African Child. Student Seward elaborated that day was designated in 1991 by the African Union and honors the memories of students who were massacred in Soweto, South Africa, in 1976 for protesting against educational injustice and inequality during the apartheid regime.

A narrative aimed at compelling stakeholders to take appropriate actions to eliminate harmful practices affecting children was also performed and a poem performed by Student Sando Hills of SWEEP Solid School emphasized the need for stakeholders to demonstrate love for children and educate them instead of abusing their lives with harmful practices such as drugs addiction, rape, violence, child labor, etc.

Student Nathaniel G. Kekula of Moses N. Ndorbor School read the Keynote Speaker’s profile and turned the platform over to Mr. Hassan Williams, a proxy for Hon. Maminah Gorlon Carr Gaye, Asst. Minister for Children and Social Protection at the Ministry of Gender Delivered the Keynote address.

Speaking to the kids, the Chief of Office Staff in the office of Minister Gaye appreciated LYFT Africa for organizing a kid-centered event. He expressed delight over the splendid performances from the children and encouraged them to study and work harder if they want to lead a productive life, family, community and society. He assured the kids that their message to the government to eliminate harmful practices affecting children would be delivered and acted upon. Mr. Williams shared a piece of his story of how he walked to the Len Miller School from Jallah's town as a motivation that the kids can make a better life despite the challenges they are faced with.   

Impressed by her narrative, Mr. Williams awarded student Shirley M. Sheriff of St. Christopher Catholic High School a partial scholarship of USD $150.00.

Performing a spoken word, Marjorie Celia Eliza Kollie of the Liberian Poet Society cautioned stakeholders to fix the system and that the children of Liberia wouldn’t give up in their quest to make things right.

Making remarks, the coordinator for American Corner-Kakata stated that she was motivated by the event and called on children to engage themselves in more productive activities instead of things that will ruin their future. Abu S. Kaba, a volunteer of LYFT Africa stated that the African children should be proud of themselves because Africa is blessed and the children of Africa have potentials.

Thanking the participants, Mr. Momodu Gray, a volunteer of LYFT Africa lauded the children and expressed gratitude to all participating students, schools and organizations who sacrificed to attend the event.

LYFT Africa was established since 2018 and continues to impact youth and children through career development and awareness programs.