By: Laymah Kollie
Over twenty-five children participating in the 9th Annual Peace Through Fair Play (PTFP) supported by the Gbowee Peace Foundation today visited the Liberian Senate to interact and bring to the attention of Lawmakers issues confronting their various communities.
The delegation was led by Leymah Gbowee, Founder/President, Gbowee Peace Foundation Africa and 2011 Nobel Peace Laureate.
The Campers were drawn from Grand Kru, Maryland and Montserrado Counties.
Referring to themselves as voices of children from the South-Eastern Region of Liberia, the kids recounted education as a major challenge for school-going kids in the area.
In their statement many schools lack enough teachers, textbooks, or good science labs.
They added that some children walk more than 5 kilometers to reach the nearest school noting that sometimes, classrooms are overcrowded, making it hard for teachers to pay attention to every student.
The young kids used the ocassion to call on duty bearers to invest in Education, Hire more trained teachers, provide updated textbooks, and improve school buildings so each child boy or girl has a chance to learn well.
The children further mention Healthcare, Justice and Safety as well as Job and Family life as key issues affecting communities in the Southeastern region.
Receiving the petition on behalf of the Senate, Senator Gble-Boo Brown of Maryland county assured the kids of reaching the matter to Plenary of a whole.
He told the Campers that the Senate is aware of difficulties faced by these communities and they will continue to work in their power to increase budgetary allocations for citizens healthcare, education amongst others.
In their narrative , clinics are far apart. So If a person is injured or sick it is difficult to get quick treatment. Nothing, there are not enough doctors, nurses, or medical supplies in some areas. Some parent have to travel with their children long distances to bigger cities for important vaccines and check-ups.
They lamented “improve Health Services: Build more clinics and supply them with medicine and equipment. Make it easier for mobile health teams to reach remote villages”.
In term of jobs , the kids stated many parents in these areas do not have steady jobs. Some parents farm or sell things in the market, but they earn little money, which makes paying school fees tough for many families. This causes many students to be sent out of school for fees arrears.
“Support for Job Creation: Develop programs that create new jobs for parents, young people, and graduates, such as training centers or support for small local businesses”
On the matter of justice the kids to Senators “We hear stories of families who cannot access the police or courts when they need help. It is prudent that we remind you that Without strong justice systems, sometimes children and their families feel unsafe or helpless”
Adding, “Strengthen Justice Systems: Ensure police stations and courts are available in our areas so everyone can feel safe and protected”.
Receiving the petition on behalf of the Senate, Senator Gble-Boo Brown of Maryland county assured the kids of reaching the matter to Plenary of a whole. He told the Campers that the Senate is aware of difficulties faced by these communities and they will continue to work in their power to increase budgetary allocations for citizens healthcare, education amongst others.
