By Stephen G. Fellajuah
Maryland, Liberia; July 18, 2025 – Children from Maryland, Grand Kru, and Montserrado counties have submitted a heartfelt petition to members of the Liberian Senate, calling for urgent improvements in education, healthcare, job creation, and justice. The petition was presented during the 9th Annual Peace Through Fair Play (PTFP) Camp, organized by the Gbowee Peace Foundation Africa (GPFA).
Speaking on behalf of peers, N. Kenneth Weah, a student of Our Lady of Fatima High School in Harper, Maryland County, thanked lawmakers for recent development projects, such as new roads, schools, hospitals, and clean water system, that have begun to improve life in Liberia’s rural counties.
“These improvements help our families and give us hope for the future,” Weah said.
He emphasized that the young participants of the camp were not merely campers, but voices of countless children across the southeastern region. “We want to share our real-life struggles and dreams so that you understand what we face every day,” he said.
Many rural schools lack qualified teachers, updated textbooks, and proper science laboratories. Students often walk long distances, over 5 kilometers, to attend school. Overcrowded classrooms further challenge teachers’ ability to give students adequate attention.
Health services are often inaccessible, with clinics located far apart and under-equipped. There is a shortage of doctors, nurses, and essential medical supplies. Parents sometimes must travel long distances to cities just to get basic vaccines or medical check-ups for their children.
Most parents engage in farming or petty trading, while others struggle with low incomes and job insecurity. Many families cannot afford school fees, leading to frequent expulsions due to unpaid arrears.
Access to justice remains limited. Police stations and courts are often unavailable in rural areas, making it difficult for families to seek protection or resolve disputes. Children and their families can feel unsafe and powerless in the absence of a strong legal system.
The children respectfully urged members of the Liberian Legislature to invest in Education, recruit more trained teachers, supply updated learning materials, and renovate school infrastructure.
Build more clinics and equip them with necessary medical tools and personnel, including mobile health units, to reach remote communities.
Launch vocational training centers and provide support for small businesses to increase job opportunities for parents and youth.
Ensure the presence of law enforcement and courts in rural communities to promote safety and legal protection for all citizens.
The children ended their petition with a hopeful message:
“With better roads, education, health, jobs, and justice, we believe all Liberian children can have a brighter future. We hope you will remember our voices and do everything possible to address these needs, especially keeping our country peaceful, so that we can grow up safely together.” Their voices now rest with the Senate, carrying the hopes of a generation that dreams of a more just, healthy, and prosperous Liberia. The petition stated. – Editing by Jonathan Browne
