Liberian Children Demand Action on Budgeting for Children’s Rights
Monrovia, Liberia – June 18, 2025 – In commemoration of the Day of the African Child, SOS Children’s Villages in Liberia and youth advocates called for urgent government action: Planning and budgeting for children’s rights must be a national priority. This year’s theme, “Planning and Budgeting for Children’s Rights: Process Since 2010,” emphasizes the need for strategic investments in children’s health, safety, education, and protection.
Through Tech-Talk sessions and advocacy, children voiced their needs. “Planning might seem like an adult concern, but it deeply affects us,” said 15-year-old Valarie. “If schools don’t get funding, we go without books. This impacts us directly,” she lamented.
While Liberia has seen progress since 2010 with new schools and increased budgets, Valarie highlighted that many children remain left behind, especially those on the streets. “We insist on being included in decision-making because nobody knows our needs better,” said Valarie.
Investing in children is essential for justice and sustainability, especially with challenges like poverty and climate change. “Every child deserves a safe home and quality education,” Delight noted. “We demand leaders to take action and allocate real resources for us,” added.
SOS Children’s Villages in Liberia, alongside UNICEF, advocates for policies that prioritize children, particularly the most vulnerable. On this significant day – Day of the African Child (DAC), SOS Children’s Villages in Liberia remind everyone that children are not just the future; they are the present, deserving a country that plans and acts in their best interests.
“Children are not just the leaders of tomorrow—they are citizens of today. Let Liberia’s plans and budgets reflect that. Together, we can create a country where every child can grow, learn, and thrive,” says Joseph Joboe, SOS Children’s Village Communication, Brand and Advocacy Coordinator.