UNICEF has announced that it is preparing to launch a new program framework focusing on education, health, and child protection in Liberia.
By: Naneka A. Hoffman
Monrovia, Liberia; July 4, 2025 – UNICEF Regional Director for West and Central Africa, Gilles Fagninou, has underscored the urgent need for stronger, collective efforts to address child welfare challenges in Liberia.
Speaking at a media engagement held Wednesday, July 2, 2025 at the One UN House in Monrovia, Fagninou revealed that UNICEF is preparing to roll out a new program framework focused on education, health, and child protection.
He noted that the agency’s Executive Board is currently reviewing a new Liberia Country Programme Document, which will guide UNICEF’s operations in the country over the next five years.
Mr. Fagninou highlighting existing efforts, referenced the “Back to My Classroom” campaign launched by President Joseph Boakai in August 2024. The initiative, led jointly by the Ministries of Education, Health, and Gender, Children and Social Protection, aims to reintegrate 250,000 out-of-school children by 2027.
“The campaign has shown early signs of success,” said Fagninou, adding that the first year yielded important lessons. “With continued focus, this initiative can become a model for reintegration across the region.”
Mr. Fagninou acknowledged that Liberia still faces serious challenges in child welfare, citing high child mortality, inadequate teacher support, limited healthcare access, and poor education quality. “These challenges are real, but not insurmountable”, he emphasized, calling for stronger partnerships, better resource allocation, and full community involvement.
During his visit, Fagninou also toured an adolescent center in West Point, one of Monrovia’s most densely populated communities. The center provides vocational training and mentorship for at-risk youth.
He expressed particular admiration for how program graduates return to serve as mentors. “That’s what real development looks like transformation rooted in hope,” he said.
Fagninou pledged the United Nations’ continued support for Liberia’s child welfare agenda, reaffirming its commitment to ensure that “no child is left behind.”
He also praised the Liberian government’s growing dedication to child protection under President Boakai’s ARREST Agenda for InclusiveDevelopment. “Everywhere I’ve been, I see a high level of interest in the future of Liberia’s children,” Fagninou said, while stressing that more needs to be done and that lasting change will require collective effort from all sectors of society.
Also speaking, UNICEF Liberia Country Representative Andy Brooks echoed similar concerns, warning about a rise in school dropouts among girls due to early pregnancy, child marriage, and poverty.
Mr. Brooks highlighted the increasing number of children involved in labor or street begging. “It’s a crisis that requires urgent, targeted action,” he said.
He called for a whole-of-society approach, urging government agencies, communities, families, and the private sector to collaborate in safeguarding Liberia’s future.
The UNICEF Regional Director noted that Liberia’s future depends on investing in its children, adding that progress for one child is progress for the entire nation. Editing by Jonathan Browne
