A Plea for Primary Education in Liberia
-A Kids2day! Opinion by K. Abdullai Kamara
Early in December the University of Liberia hosted its 88th Commencement Convocation at the SKD Sports Complex near Monrovia. This commencement saw nearly 2000 persons earning undergraduate and graduate credentials in a wide range of disciplines. This was very exemplary to the mass of Liberian people, because this was the second convocation in a space of 10 months, and there are claims that there will be another convocation by July 2010.Wonderful!
In addition, the activities leading to the convocation was a lot more organized than we have seen in the last 10 or more years. The weeks preceding commencement have normally been tumultuous - to say the least. No wonder, there were claims of grades buying and selling. Without attempting to clarify or confirm the allegations, I would rather proffer that such uncoordinated activities give in to rumor mongering, which could as well be the truth.
However these activities, concern is drawn to the stark statistics of the candidates. While accounting showed some 454 candidates in the face of widespread accountability and transparency concerns in Liberia, there were rather 197 management candidates to at least counter the gross mismanagement of resources in this country. With an economy as challenging as ours, another 145 candidates earned degrees in economics, and we are hoping that they can come forth with the research that will change the circumstances in the country.
But more than that and of most concern was the sad statistics from Teachers College. Of the 50 candidates who earned qualifications in educational related disciplines, 13 earned graduate degrees in educational administration and supervision, 36 earned undergraduate degrees in secondary education and a paltry 2 graduated in primary education. This is frightening and requires some attention. This means that something is wrong and must be corrected, pretty early.
What then could be the cause of this? Do we agree that teachers are significant and necessary for the fulfillment of a role in the education of the Liberian youth? Do we believe that more teachers would relate to an increase in the literacy rate in Liberia, and eventually an increase in the development capacity?
The task of identifying the very poor level of students in education may be numerous, but for the purpose of this work we need to limit to the following:
- the terribly poor state of salaries and emoluments for teachers, both from the government or private sectors;
- limited opportunities for teachers to seek advancement in the educational sphere;
- the lack of accreditation for people who enter the teaching profession;
- widespread parental disapproval of children who want to enter the teaching profession;
- the near poverty that the average teacher is accustomed to; etc.
Furthermore, because teachers have not had any special privileges in Liberia, including the privilege of engaging in wealth-making corruption, people do not encourage, and in fact discourage their children from pursuing teachers’ education. If this trend continues, I predict a day where there will be no teacher with a professional teacher accreditation.
There are limited scholarship opportunities for teachers. Students of education pay like all other students, even though the mainstay of their future employment is a low level government position.
Because there are no accreditation and licensing for teachers in Liberia, nobody wants to study teacher education. In the sad event that they do not get a job in another field, they take a teaching job as a temporary occupation. As a result, someone with a degree in economics or management will be seen teaching economics. Of course, he might shed light on some theory, but with the absence of teaching methodology or pedagogy, this so called teacher will be more interested in the students earning grades than understanding the subject matter. For the primary school level this is a disaster as the pupils will not get any basics.
How do we address this?
Teachers’ education programs must engage students at secondary school level and encourage them to enroll in education program. This can be done through career day programs that will teach the virtues of teaching and indicate how it will serve the future of our country.
The government must insist on the licensing and accreditation of teachers before they are permitted to teach. The examples should begin within the public school sectors. This would not mean driving away all of those without teaching education, but at least providing them beginning level courses that will ensure certification and accreditation for anyone with other qualifications serving as teachers.
Additionally, no new person should is employed to teach in public schools without a teaching certification, which should be concurrently instituted on a full time basis.
Increase salaries and emoluments for teachers, to create a moral incentive that would attract people to teaching. Do we recall that doctors have been given a base salary? Do we know that government lawyers are also given a base salary? Why not teachers?
More than that, government must endeavor to provide free education for people who are endeavoring to provide education for the Liberian children as their career choice. This will be a form of encouragement that will yield greater results for all.
We recall that the Government of Samuel Kanyon Doe as an attempt to increase scholarship in agriculture made studies at the College of Agriculture (UL) tuition-free. While the circumstances of agriculture has not changed much for the better, there is now a source of ready reference on agricultural issues which can sooner or later contribute to the increment in the amount of food on the Liberian table.
The challenge is now upon the government, and I believe that that can happen without changing the case for many other services. Otherwise, we risk sending our kids to Ghana and the US for primary school, and that could translate into another theater of conflict. Already, debate is rife about the perceived domination of foreign-based Liberian professionals in government positions. Of course, Liberia does not deserve any situation that will be based on privilege for one group as opposed to another.
I am hopeful that making room for improving the capacity of people to impart knowledge to the Liberian children would improve the educational fortunes of Liberia.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
A Plea for Primary Education in Liberia
A Plea for Primary Education in Liberia
-A Kids2day! Opinion by K. Abdullai Kamara
Early in December the University of Liberia hosted its 88th Commencement Convocation at the SKD Sports Complex near Monrovia. This commencement saw nearly 2000 persons earning undergraduate and graduate credentials in a wide range of disciplines. This was very exemplary to the mass of Liberian people, because this was the second convocation in a space of 10 months, and there are claims that there will be another convocation by July 2010.Wonderful!
In addition, the activities leading to the convocation was a lot more organized than we have seen in the last 10 or more years. The weeks preceding commencement have normally been tumultuous - to say the least. No wonder, there were claims of grades buying and selling. Without attempting to clarify or confirm the allegations, I would rather proffer that such uncoordinated activities give in to rumor mongering, which could as well be the truth.
However these activities, concern is drawn to the stark statistics of the candidates. While accounting showed some 454 candidates in the face of widespread accountability and transparency concerns in Liberia, there were rather 197 management candidates to at least counter the gross mismanagement of resources in this country. With an economy as challenging as ours, another 145 candidates earned degrees in economics, and we are hoping that they can come forth with the research that will change the circumstances in the country.
But more than that and of most concern was the sad statistics from Teachers College. Of the 50 candidates who earned qualifications in educational related disciplines, 13 earned graduate degrees in educational administration and supervision, 36 earned undergraduate degrees in secondary education and a paltry 2 graduated in primary education. This is frightening and requires some attention. This means that something is wrong and must be corrected, pretty early.
What then could be the cause of this? Do we agree that teachers are significant and necessary for the fulfillment of a role in the education of the Liberian youth? Do we believe that more teachers would relate to an increase in the literacy rate in Liberia, and eventually an increase in the development capacity?
The task of identifying the very poor level of students in education may be numerous, but for the purpose of this work we need to limit to the following:
- the terribly poor state of salaries and emoluments for teachers, both from the government or private sectors;
- limited opportunities for teachers to seek advancement in the educational sphere;
- the lack of accreditation for people who enter the teaching profession;
- widespread parental disapproval of children who want to enter the teaching profession;
- the near poverty that the average teacher is accustomed to; etc.
Furthermore, because teachers have not had any special privileges in Liberia, including the privilege of engaging in wealth-making corruption, people do not encourage, and in fact discourage their children from pursuing teachers’ education. If this trend continues, I predict a day where there will be no teacher with a professional teacher accreditation.
There are limited scholarship opportunities for teachers. Students of education pay like all other students, even though the mainstay of their future employment is a low level government position.
Because there are no accreditation and licensing for teachers in Liberia, nobody wants to study teacher education. In the sad event that they do not get a job in another field, they take a teaching job as a temporary occupation. As a result, someone with a degree in economics or management will be seen teaching economics. Of course, he might shed light on some theory, but with the absence of teaching methodology or pedagogy, this so called teacher will be more interested in the students earning grades than understanding the subject matter. For the primary school level this is a disaster as the pupils will not get any basics.
How do we address this?
Teachers’ education programs must engage students at secondary school level and encourage them to enroll in education program. This can be done through career day programs that will teach the virtues of teaching and indicate how it will serve the future of our country.
The government must insist on the licensing and accreditation of teachers before they are permitted to teach. The examples should begin within the public school sectors. This would not mean driving away all of those without teaching education, but at least providing them beginning level courses that will ensure certification and accreditation for anyone with other qualifications serving as teachers.
Additionally, no new person should is employed to teach in public schools without a teaching certification, which should be concurrently instituted on a full time basis.
Increase salaries and emoluments for teachers, to create a moral incentive that would attract people to teaching. Do we recall that doctors have been given a base salary? Do we know that government lawyers are also given a base salary? Why not teachers?
More than that, government must endeavor to provide free education for people who are endeavoring to provide education for the Liberian children as their career choice. This will be a form of encouragement that will yield greater results for all.
We recall that the Government of Samuel Kanyon Doe as an attempt to increase scholarship in agriculture made studies at the College of Agriculture (UL) tuition-free. While the circumstances of agriculture has not changed much for the better, there is now a source of ready reference on agricultural issues which can sooner or later contribute to the increment in the amount of food on the Liberian table.
The challenge is now upon the government, and I believe that that can happen without changing the case for many other services. Otherwise, we risk sending our kids to Ghana and the US for primary school, and that could translate into another theater of conflict. Already, debate is rife about the perceived domination of foreign-based Liberian professionals in government positions. Of course, Liberia does not deserve any situation that will be based on privilege for one group as opposed to another.
I am hopeful that making room for improving the capacity of people to impart knowledge to the Liberian children would improve the educational fortunes of Liberia.
-A Kids2day! Opinion by K. Abdullai Kamara
Early in December the University of Liberia hosted its 88th Commencement Convocation at the SKD Sports Complex near Monrovia. This commencement saw nearly 2000 persons earning undergraduate and graduate credentials in a wide range of disciplines. This was very exemplary to the mass of Liberian people, because this was the second convocation in a space of 10 months, and there are claims that there will be another convocation by July 2010.Wonderful!
In addition, the activities leading to the convocation was a lot more organized than we have seen in the last 10 or more years. The weeks preceding commencement have normally been tumultuous - to say the least. No wonder, there were claims of grades buying and selling. Without attempting to clarify or confirm the allegations, I would rather proffer that such uncoordinated activities give in to rumor mongering, which could as well be the truth.
However these activities, concern is drawn to the stark statistics of the candidates. While accounting showed some 454 candidates in the face of widespread accountability and transparency concerns in Liberia, there were rather 197 management candidates to at least counter the gross mismanagement of resources in this country. With an economy as challenging as ours, another 145 candidates earned degrees in economics, and we are hoping that they can come forth with the research that will change the circumstances in the country.
But more than that and of most concern was the sad statistics from Teachers College. Of the 50 candidates who earned qualifications in educational related disciplines, 13 earned graduate degrees in educational administration and supervision, 36 earned undergraduate degrees in secondary education and a paltry 2 graduated in primary education. This is frightening and requires some attention. This means that something is wrong and must be corrected, pretty early.
What then could be the cause of this? Do we agree that teachers are significant and necessary for the fulfillment of a role in the education of the Liberian youth? Do we believe that more teachers would relate to an increase in the literacy rate in Liberia, and eventually an increase in the development capacity?
The task of identifying the very poor level of students in education may be numerous, but for the purpose of this work we need to limit to the following:
- the terribly poor state of salaries and emoluments for teachers, both from the government or private sectors;
- limited opportunities for teachers to seek advancement in the educational sphere;
- the lack of accreditation for people who enter the teaching profession;
- widespread parental disapproval of children who want to enter the teaching profession;
- the near poverty that the average teacher is accustomed to; etc.
Furthermore, because teachers have not had any special privileges in Liberia, including the privilege of engaging in wealth-making corruption, people do not encourage, and in fact discourage their children from pursuing teachers’ education. If this trend continues, I predict a day where there will be no teacher with a professional teacher accreditation.
There are limited scholarship opportunities for teachers. Students of education pay like all other students, even though the mainstay of their future employment is a low level government position.
Because there are no accreditation and licensing for teachers in Liberia, nobody wants to study teacher education. In the sad event that they do not get a job in another field, they take a teaching job as a temporary occupation. As a result, someone with a degree in economics or management will be seen teaching economics. Of course, he might shed light on some theory, but with the absence of teaching methodology or pedagogy, this so called teacher will be more interested in the students earning grades than understanding the subject matter. For the primary school level this is a disaster as the pupils will not get any basics.
How do we address this?
Teachers’ education programs must engage students at secondary school level and encourage them to enroll in education program. This can be done through career day programs that will teach the virtues of teaching and indicate how it will serve the future of our country.
The government must insist on the licensing and accreditation of teachers before they are permitted to teach. The examples should begin within the public school sectors. This would not mean driving away all of those without teaching education, but at least providing them beginning level courses that will ensure certification and accreditation for anyone with other qualifications serving as teachers.
Additionally, no new person should is employed to teach in public schools without a teaching certification, which should be concurrently instituted on a full time basis.
Increase salaries and emoluments for teachers, to create a moral incentive that would attract people to teaching. Do we recall that doctors have been given a base salary? Do we know that government lawyers are also given a base salary? Why not teachers?
More than that, government must endeavor to provide free education for people who are endeavoring to provide education for the Liberian children as their career choice. This will be a form of encouragement that will yield greater results for all.
We recall that the Government of Samuel Kanyon Doe as an attempt to increase scholarship in agriculture made studies at the College of Agriculture (UL) tuition-free. While the circumstances of agriculture has not changed much for the better, there is now a source of ready reference on agricultural issues which can sooner or later contribute to the increment in the amount of food on the Liberian table.
The challenge is now upon the government, and I believe that that can happen without changing the case for many other services. Otherwise, we risk sending our kids to Ghana and the US for primary school, and that could translate into another theater of conflict. Already, debate is rife about the perceived domination of foreign-based Liberian professionals in government positions. Of course, Liberia does not deserve any situation that will be based on privilege for one group as opposed to another.
I am hopeful that making room for improving the capacity of people to impart knowledge to the Liberian children would improve the educational fortunes of Liberia.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Kids2day! Convene Strategic Planning January 3
December 8, 2009: Ahead of activities for the 2010 fiscal year, Kids2day! will host an over night and all-day strategic planning session in Wuilor, Grand Cape Mount on January 2-3.
The session will be arranged to follow up on activities hosted across 2009 and to detail programs and events that the group will organize in 2010.
Participants at the session will include Community Liasions from the 10 kids clubs, program staff, as well as representatives from other communities that are desirous of setting up Kids Clubs and other affiliates.
The day and a half event will review expertise in programming, budgetting and planning, and will as well increase participants understanding of issues in human (including children) rights; education and innovative best practices.
Discussions at the session will also include partnership building, communication and project identification.
Kids2day! was developed to get kids to play a creative role in their development. It enhances their personal development, and lays the basis for their future.
The emphasis is on ensuring their rights - whether through education, health care, and other welfare, fully guided by the notion that they are kids today, preparing for a fully functional future tomorrow. For now, today, they remain kids and must be encouraged and prodded to develop.
Further information about kids2day! can be gleaned from kids2day4liberia.blogspot.com; You can also contact us at : +231 (0)6-522-334.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Kids2day! Campaigns To Help Eradicate Violence Against Women and Children
Kids2day! is supportive of and a participant in the 16 days of activism against violence against women and children.
As part of the advocacy, we are posting pictures from prior events that sought to send the same message.
Observing 16 Days of Activism Against Violence Against Women and Children
Also as part of this observance, Kids2day! is drawing attention to these points posted by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA):
http://www.unfpa.org/public/News/events/16days/
16 Forms of Gender Violence & 16 Ways to Stop It
Violence against women takes many forms: sexual assault, child marriage, incest, wife beating, prostitution, female genital mutilation, dowry-related violence, trafficking, sexual violence during wars, femicide, sexual harrassment, 'honour' killings, forced sterilization, date rape, pornography and bride kidnapping. Violence against women may also take many forms of psychological abuse, intimidation and harassment.
All are unacceptable violations of human rights. Together they form a huge obstacle to gender equality and genuine human progress.
Each year, for 16 days, bookended by the International Day to End Violence Against Women (25 November) and Human Rights Day (1 December), groups from around the world join together to speak out against gender violence. Because all too often, it is covered up or tacitly condoned.
This year's theme is one of empowerment: Commit. Act. Demand. We CAN End Violence Against Women. It reflects the fact that gender violence is increasingly being recognized as a stain on humanity and something that must and can be dealt with.
Sixteen Ways UNFPA Works to End Gender Violence
1. Uniting against the problem
Through the Secretary-General’s UNiTE to End Violence against Women campaign, UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, works with a host of United Nations agencies and offices to galvanize action across the United Nations system to prevent and punish violence against women. See also the statement of the Executive Director of UNFPA.
2. Generating empowering conversations about the issue
UNFPA provides a social media space where people can bring their experiences, research and insights to the question, “How can we overcome this pervasive violation of human rights?”
3. Documenting successful approaches
Gender-based violence is a deeply rooted problem that demands strategic, comprehensive and culturally sensitive approaches. In ten countries, UNFPA has applied such approaches and documented the experiences for development practitioners as well as other interested parties. See the multi-media exhibit. See also these new case studies.
4. Presenting positive images of men as role models
Any successful effort to end violence against women must involve the men who commit or tacitly condone it. A new photo exhibit commissioned by UNFPA shows men as positive role models at home, in the community and in the workplace.
5. Using the power of popular culture to prevent couple violence
The Chilean band Kudai, hugely popular with Latin American youth, has teamed up with UNFPA to spread the message that hurting your partner is decidedly not cool.
6. Calling attention to sexual violence as an instrument of war
Congo/Women, an international photography exhibition and educational campaign, compels viewers to acknowledge and respond to the suffering endured by women and girls in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and to recognize the human faces behind it. See also this documentary.
7. Partnering with men to end violence against women
A new publication features five case studies from Eastern Europe and Central Asia of programming that has been successful in changing men’s attitudes. A global forum in Rio de Janeiro sought to redefine ideas of masculinity that permit gender violence, and the city’s programming is experimenting with therapeutic approaches. See also this roundup of ongoing activities to partner with men in the Asia and Pacific region.
8. Speaking out against female genital mutilation/cutting
Over 100 million women have been subjected to female genital mutilation/cutting, a practice that still puts up to 3 million additional girls at risk each year. UNFPA, in partnership with UNICEF, has launched a $44-million programme to end this harmful traditional practice within a generation. Read about UNFPA's holistic approach to the issue.
9. Addressing the needs of women in refugee camp
Refugee camps are intended to be safe havens – but displaced women often face many forms of gender-based violence. UNFPA is part of an interagency team that sends gender advisers to humanitarian settings to ensure that women’s needs are being addressed. The Fund has also partnered on an interagency field manual that includes guidelines for addressing sexual and gender-based violence in refugee camps.mps
10. Highlighting the injustice of child marriage and too-early pregnancy
Child marriage is a health issue as well as a human rights violation. Because it takes place almost exclusively within the context of poverty and gender inequality, it also has social, cultural and economic dimensions, including high rates of maternal mortality and injury. See the award-winning video about child marriage in Ethiopia and read about the consequences of adolescent pregnancy.
11. Partnering with others to end sexual violence against girls
UNFPA has partnered with many organizations through the Clinton Global Initiative to take a new approach in addressing the rights violations and health impacts of sexual violence against girls. According to the World Health Organization, in 2002 approximately 150 million girls experienced some form of sexual violence.
12. Working with religious leaders to end tolerance for gender-based violence
UNFPA values the influence of religious leaders in preventing violence within families and reducing maternal mortality.The Fund works hard to build bridges between faith-based practitioners and development practitioners.
13. Publicizing the issue of acid burning and other unusual forms of gender violence
Every day, women are subjected to violence in many forms, such as acid attacks. Last year, the Fund publicized five stories that the global media might have ignored, under-played or simply been unaware of. Read the news release and related features from the Russian Federation and Tajikistan.
14. Offering alternatives to ‘survival sex'
In the capital of Haiti, which is plagued by political and social unrest, 11- and 12-year-old girls trade sexual favours for spending-money. A drop-in centre offers them other options. Read the feature story.
15. Calling attention to a new form of slavery
UNFPA works closely with governments to address the ever-widening threat posed by human trafficking and supports women and girls in their recovery and return home.
16. Assisting survivors of domestic violence
Most violence against women occurs in the home. But women often stay with abusive partners because they have no other place to go. UNFPA-supported shelters offer an alternative. Read the feature story, view a related video and learn more about programming approaches to the issue.
As part of the advocacy, we are posting pictures from prior events that sought to send the same message.
Observing 16 Days of Activism Against Violence Against Women and Children
Also as part of this observance, Kids2day! is drawing attention to these points posted by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA):
http://www.unfpa.org/public/News/events/16days/
16 Forms of Gender Violence & 16 Ways to Stop It
Violence against women takes many forms: sexual assault, child marriage, incest, wife beating, prostitution, female genital mutilation, dowry-related violence, trafficking, sexual violence during wars, femicide, sexual harrassment, 'honour' killings, forced sterilization, date rape, pornography and bride kidnapping. Violence against women may also take many forms of psychological abuse, intimidation and harassment.
All are unacceptable violations of human rights. Together they form a huge obstacle to gender equality and genuine human progress.
Each year, for 16 days, bookended by the International Day to End Violence Against Women (25 November) and Human Rights Day (1 December), groups from around the world join together to speak out against gender violence. Because all too often, it is covered up or tacitly condoned.
This year's theme is one of empowerment: Commit. Act. Demand. We CAN End Violence Against Women. It reflects the fact that gender violence is increasingly being recognized as a stain on humanity and something that must and can be dealt with.
Sixteen Ways UNFPA Works to End Gender Violence
1. Uniting against the problem
Through the Secretary-General’s UNiTE to End Violence against Women campaign, UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, works with a host of United Nations agencies and offices to galvanize action across the United Nations system to prevent and punish violence against women. See also the statement of the Executive Director of UNFPA.
2. Generating empowering conversations about the issue
UNFPA provides a social media space where people can bring their experiences, research and insights to the question, “How can we overcome this pervasive violation of human rights?”
3. Documenting successful approaches
Gender-based violence is a deeply rooted problem that demands strategic, comprehensive and culturally sensitive approaches. In ten countries, UNFPA has applied such approaches and documented the experiences for development practitioners as well as other interested parties. See the multi-media exhibit. See also these new case studies.
4. Presenting positive images of men as role models
Any successful effort to end violence against women must involve the men who commit or tacitly condone it. A new photo exhibit commissioned by UNFPA shows men as positive role models at home, in the community and in the workplace.
5. Using the power of popular culture to prevent couple violence
The Chilean band Kudai, hugely popular with Latin American youth, has teamed up with UNFPA to spread the message that hurting your partner is decidedly not cool.
6. Calling attention to sexual violence as an instrument of war
Congo/Women, an international photography exhibition and educational campaign, compels viewers to acknowledge and respond to the suffering endured by women and girls in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and to recognize the human faces behind it. See also this documentary.
7. Partnering with men to end violence against women
A new publication features five case studies from Eastern Europe and Central Asia of programming that has been successful in changing men’s attitudes. A global forum in Rio de Janeiro sought to redefine ideas of masculinity that permit gender violence, and the city’s programming is experimenting with therapeutic approaches. See also this roundup of ongoing activities to partner with men in the Asia and Pacific region.
8. Speaking out against female genital mutilation/cutting
Over 100 million women have been subjected to female genital mutilation/cutting, a practice that still puts up to 3 million additional girls at risk each year. UNFPA, in partnership with UNICEF, has launched a $44-million programme to end this harmful traditional practice within a generation. Read about UNFPA's holistic approach to the issue.
9. Addressing the needs of women in refugee camp
Refugee camps are intended to be safe havens – but displaced women often face many forms of gender-based violence. UNFPA is part of an interagency team that sends gender advisers to humanitarian settings to ensure that women’s needs are being addressed. The Fund has also partnered on an interagency field manual that includes guidelines for addressing sexual and gender-based violence in refugee camps.mps
10. Highlighting the injustice of child marriage and too-early pregnancy
Child marriage is a health issue as well as a human rights violation. Because it takes place almost exclusively within the context of poverty and gender inequality, it also has social, cultural and economic dimensions, including high rates of maternal mortality and injury. See the award-winning video about child marriage in Ethiopia and read about the consequences of adolescent pregnancy.
11. Partnering with others to end sexual violence against girls
UNFPA has partnered with many organizations through the Clinton Global Initiative to take a new approach in addressing the rights violations and health impacts of sexual violence against girls. According to the World Health Organization, in 2002 approximately 150 million girls experienced some form of sexual violence.
12. Working with religious leaders to end tolerance for gender-based violence
UNFPA values the influence of religious leaders in preventing violence within families and reducing maternal mortality.The Fund works hard to build bridges between faith-based practitioners and development practitioners.
13. Publicizing the issue of acid burning and other unusual forms of gender violence
Every day, women are subjected to violence in many forms, such as acid attacks. Last year, the Fund publicized five stories that the global media might have ignored, under-played or simply been unaware of. Read the news release and related features from the Russian Federation and Tajikistan.
14. Offering alternatives to ‘survival sex'
In the capital of Haiti, which is plagued by political and social unrest, 11- and 12-year-old girls trade sexual favours for spending-money. A drop-in centre offers them other options. Read the feature story.
15. Calling attention to a new form of slavery
UNFPA works closely with governments to address the ever-widening threat posed by human trafficking and supports women and girls in their recovery and return home.
16. Assisting survivors of domestic violence
Most violence against women occurs in the home. But women often stay with abusive partners because they have no other place to go. UNFPA-supported shelters offer an alternative. Read the feature story, view a related video and learn more about programming approaches to the issue.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Saving the Children like How? ... From Daily Observer
A damaging report put out this week by Save the Children, an international charity organization which concerns itself about the rights of the child, has indicted orphanages in Africa as fraudulent organizations set up to exploit and abuse little children, instead of providing them with the necessities of life they lack as orphans.
The report notes that some institutions coerce or trick poor parents to give up their children. Millions of children are put at risk through living in an institution, and face rape, trafficking and beatings.
The report goes on to name Liberia as one of the African nations where orphanages have become a big business, citing that in the last two years the number of orphanages has doubled.
The author of the report writes that “it is a myth that children in orphanages have no parents. Most are there because their parents simply can’t afford to feed, clothe and educate them.”
We are in partial agreement with the findings of Save the Children report. This is one of the legacies of the 14-year civil war started by Charles Taylor, who promised Liberians a better life but in the end created a generation of former child soldiers, wayward children and teenage mothers. These orphanages became necessary to save abandoned children and were not intended for exploitative purposes.
However, child traffickers found Liberia to be a major shopping ground for their exploitative aims as a consequence of the war. They came and fell in league with institutions here, making glowing promises of taking the children away for adoption in America. This has created a national scandal. The Government of Liberia eventually stepped in and placed a ban on adoption by foreigners.
It is a historical shame that the people on the other side of the Atlantic continue to make this part of West Africa a shopping mall for their nefarious game in human trafficking. The report says children have become “commodities” in a growing industry and that “unscrupulous institutions are known to recruit children in order to profit from international adoption and child trafficking.” This is condemnable.
Orphanages are new in Liberia. Therefore Save the Children ought to have offered help to the government in the form of strict monitoring of the children’s institutions. They ought to have offered more aid and assistance in training, etc. Now that they have packed up and left, they want to decry the lame efforts of those here engaging in the public exercise. We are not unaware of those who are profiting in this international child trafficking business. They will be dealt with.
The author of the report notes that “most recently,” she has seen children living in “atrocious” conditions in Liberia, where the number of orphanages has multiplied tenfold in the past 10 years.
She cites cases of numerous children sharing a single bed, of 30 children sleeping in a flooded dormitory, and still others being forced to work in the orphanage instead of going to school. Some homes host children and their families. This is one reason why the government is stressing Poverty Reduction Strategy. And with the help of conscientious officials in government, the strategy will succeed.
These are revelations to which, we hope, the Liberian Government will pay keen attention and tie them to the Poverty Reduction Strategy by regulating and improving our orphanages.
Copyright Liberian Observer - All Rights Reserved. This article cannot be re-published without the expressed, written consent of the Liberian Observer. Please contact us for more information or to request publishing permission.
Publication Date: November 25, 2009 - 9:41am
The report notes that some institutions coerce or trick poor parents to give up their children. Millions of children are put at risk through living in an institution, and face rape, trafficking and beatings.
The report goes on to name Liberia as one of the African nations where orphanages have become a big business, citing that in the last two years the number of orphanages has doubled.
The author of the report writes that “it is a myth that children in orphanages have no parents. Most are there because their parents simply can’t afford to feed, clothe and educate them.”
We are in partial agreement with the findings of Save the Children report. This is one of the legacies of the 14-year civil war started by Charles Taylor, who promised Liberians a better life but in the end created a generation of former child soldiers, wayward children and teenage mothers. These orphanages became necessary to save abandoned children and were not intended for exploitative purposes.
However, child traffickers found Liberia to be a major shopping ground for their exploitative aims as a consequence of the war. They came and fell in league with institutions here, making glowing promises of taking the children away for adoption in America. This has created a national scandal. The Government of Liberia eventually stepped in and placed a ban on adoption by foreigners.
It is a historical shame that the people on the other side of the Atlantic continue to make this part of West Africa a shopping mall for their nefarious game in human trafficking. The report says children have become “commodities” in a growing industry and that “unscrupulous institutions are known to recruit children in order to profit from international adoption and child trafficking.” This is condemnable.
Orphanages are new in Liberia. Therefore Save the Children ought to have offered help to the government in the form of strict monitoring of the children’s institutions. They ought to have offered more aid and assistance in training, etc. Now that they have packed up and left, they want to decry the lame efforts of those here engaging in the public exercise. We are not unaware of those who are profiting in this international child trafficking business. They will be dealt with.
The author of the report notes that “most recently,” she has seen children living in “atrocious” conditions in Liberia, where the number of orphanages has multiplied tenfold in the past 10 years.
She cites cases of numerous children sharing a single bed, of 30 children sleeping in a flooded dormitory, and still others being forced to work in the orphanage instead of going to school. Some homes host children and their families. This is one reason why the government is stressing Poverty Reduction Strategy. And with the help of conscientious officials in government, the strategy will succeed.
These are revelations to which, we hope, the Liberian Government will pay keen attention and tie them to the Poverty Reduction Strategy by regulating and improving our orphanages.
Copyright Liberian Observer - All Rights Reserved. This article cannot be re-published without the expressed, written consent of the Liberian Observer. Please contact us for more information or to request publishing permission.
Publication Date: November 25, 2009 - 9:41am
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Children Day Activities in Pictures
Participants at the observance at Bo Waterside.
Kids club member performing an activity in Tienii
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Children Day Pictures
Kids doing a skit on Children Rights and Responsibilities at the International Children Day celebration in Tienii
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Kids2day! Host Children Day Events in Cape Mount
November 21, 2009: Several Children Clubs under the auspices of the children development organization, Kids2day! have participated in events marking International Children’s Day in Bo and Tienii, Grand Cape Mount County.
The anniversary was held on Saturday, November 21, as students in the region were scheduled to sit school exams on the actual day of November 20.
International Children's Day, held in observance of the 20th anniversary of the adoption of the Convention of the Rights of the Child (CRC), was held to express the progress that have been made in the situation of children across the globe.
The Kids2day! observances included lots of games and play, led by children from various Children Clubs in Bo, Gbesseh, Mambo, Tienii, Wuilor and Ngandohn.
At separate events in Bo and Tienii, children showed out dramas and skits which pointed out their understanding of the convention and the issues related to them.
Speaking at the separate events, the Chairman of Kids2day! Abdullai Kamara, called on the communities to recognize the talents shown by the children, and work with them in making the communities better for all.
"If we work with these children now, we will be making them better for their future , and helping to make this world better for all."
Mr. Kamara added that as the future leaders, children's voices and concerns need to be considered now, so that they can learn their self worth, and participate in national decision making.
The Kids2day! chair also encouraged the children to truly understand the lessons of rights and responsibilities they have learned from the convention and practice them in their daily lives.
Some 200 children participated in the events at both locations, and the events were witnessed by community leaders from both towns.
The Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1989 as a measure of ensuring that the child should be fully prepared to live in society, and brought up in the spirit of the ideals proclaimed in the Charter of the United Nations, especially in the spirit of peace, dignity, tolerance, freedom, equality and solidarity.
Among other things, the CRC lives up to basic Principles, which state among others that "all children have the same rights and are of equal worth; Every child has the right to have his or her basic needs fulfilled; Every child has the right to protection from abuse and exploitation; and Every child has the right to express his or her opinion and to be respected."
The anniversary was held on Saturday, November 21, as students in the region were scheduled to sit school exams on the actual day of November 20.
International Children's Day, held in observance of the 20th anniversary of the adoption of the Convention of the Rights of the Child (CRC), was held to express the progress that have been made in the situation of children across the globe.
The Kids2day! observances included lots of games and play, led by children from various Children Clubs in Bo, Gbesseh, Mambo, Tienii, Wuilor and Ngandohn.
At separate events in Bo and Tienii, children showed out dramas and skits which pointed out their understanding of the convention and the issues related to them.
Speaking at the separate events, the Chairman of Kids2day! Abdullai Kamara, called on the communities to recognize the talents shown by the children, and work with them in making the communities better for all.
"If we work with these children now, we will be making them better for their future , and helping to make this world better for all."
Mr. Kamara added that as the future leaders, children's voices and concerns need to be considered now, so that they can learn their self worth, and participate in national decision making.
The Kids2day! chair also encouraged the children to truly understand the lessons of rights and responsibilities they have learned from the convention and practice them in their daily lives.
Some 200 children participated in the events at both locations, and the events were witnessed by community leaders from both towns.
The Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1989 as a measure of ensuring that the child should be fully prepared to live in society, and brought up in the spirit of the ideals proclaimed in the Charter of the United Nations, especially in the spirit of peace, dignity, tolerance, freedom, equality and solidarity.
Among other things, the CRC lives up to basic Principles, which state among others that "all children have the same rights and are of equal worth; Every child has the right to have his or her basic needs fulfilled; Every child has the right to protection from abuse and exploitation; and Every child has the right to express his or her opinion and to be respected."
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Kids2day! to Celebrate International Children Day
Kids2day! to Celebrate International Children Day
October 28, 2009: Kids2day! has today announced the celebration of International Children Day, November 20, with appropriate activities at various Kids Club across the country.
The observance, which comes to commemorate 20 years since the passage of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), will be hosted across active Kids Clubs in Bo, Gbesseh, Tienii, Mambo, Bandor and Wuilor, Grand Cape Mount County.
On this occasion, the kids will recall the accomplishments that have come forth in their world since the introduction of the convention, and make recommendations about how the communities can improve their conditions.
Kids2day! note that there has been little progress report from Liberia, but will all the same find time to continue their human rights and civic education for children across the country, including during the observance.
"This is a day to celebrate these children, who we variously see as the anchor of our nation. The ones upon which this world can get better," Kids2day! Chairman Abdullai Kamara said.
"The celebration is meant to bring children at the fore of an international observance, seeking to improve their conditions, and to improve their preparation for a future of peace."
Kids2day! remains resolved to improving the lots of children across Liberia.
Further information about Kids2day! contact: kids2day.liberia@gmail.com ; +231(0)6-522-334; (0)6-542-309; blog: kids2day4liberia.blogspot.com
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Kids2day! Pledge Solidarity with Teachers
October 6, 2009: On the occassion of World Teachers Day, Kids2day! has expressed solidarity with the wonderful men and women who make it their business to impart much needed education to the children of this world.
That these people work out their lives to prepare the rest of the world to make a living is certainly out of this world
"The work that teachers do is unexplainable, and the poverty they live in is inexcusable," Kids2day! Chairman Abdullai Kamara said.
"The children of Liberia maintain their allegiance to the Liberian state but pledge their solidarity with teachers, who are the world for them," Kamara said.
Kids2day! believes that the fight for better education and development in Liberia must begin with the development of teachers, whether by way of their education, emoument for their services and support for their families.
Without better conditions of service, we can expect what we have... poor WAEC and examination results, indiscipline in schools, lower acumen and IQs, among others.
We call upon the community to engage their government to see reason and improve the lot of teachers, This is a sure way of making education better in Liberia.
Kids2day! remains resolved to improving the lots of children across Liberia, but like to note that this must be closely alied with the lot of teachers.
For further information about Kids2day! contact: kids2day.liberia@gmail.com; +231(0)6-522-334; (0)6-542-309blog: kids2day4liberia.blogspot.com
That these people work out their lives to prepare the rest of the world to make a living is certainly out of this world
"The work that teachers do is unexplainable, and the poverty they live in is inexcusable," Kids2day! Chairman Abdullai Kamara said.
"The children of Liberia maintain their allegiance to the Liberian state but pledge their solidarity with teachers, who are the world for them," Kamara said.
Kids2day! believes that the fight for better education and development in Liberia must begin with the development of teachers, whether by way of their education, emoument for their services and support for their families.
Without better conditions of service, we can expect what we have... poor WAEC and examination results, indiscipline in schools, lower acumen and IQs, among others.
We call upon the community to engage their government to see reason and improve the lot of teachers, This is a sure way of making education better in Liberia.
Kids2day! remains resolved to improving the lots of children across Liberia, but like to note that this must be closely alied with the lot of teachers.
For further information about Kids2day! contact: kids2day.liberia@gmail.com; +231(0)6-522-334; (0)6-542-309blog: kids2day4liberia.blogspot.com
Monday, September 28, 2009
Orientation for Kids Club Liaison
Orientation for Kids Club Liaison
Mambo, Grand Cape Mount, September 27, 2009: Community Liaisons for Kids2day! have undergone an orientation session for the upcoming Kids Club. The day long event was held on the weekend in Mambo, Grand Cape Mount.
Participants came from the current four clubs at Mambo, Bo, Tienii and Gbesseh, as well as representatives from Mani, Bandor and Wuilor, which are also aspiring to have clubs set up there and members of the Advisory Board.
Among other things, particpants received lectures on Human Rights, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; the Convention on the Rights of the Child; the Millennium Development Goals.
The workshop also included discussions on activities outlined under the Kids Club as well as lessons on Partnership and Network Building, and the Monitoring of Children Issues
Kids Club is an activity of Kids2day! meant to create safe spaces for children to periodically discuss the issues affecting them in the rural communities and to share ideas about how they can be part of the solution.
The Club includes a room where they can have access to newspapers, books, computers, video, games, radio and other accessories to understand the issues in society, including those that may enhance their own space to understand the issues concerning them.
Kids2day! was developed to get kids to play a creative role in their development. It enhances their personal development, and lays the basis for their future.
The emphasis is on ensuring their rights - whether through education, health care, and other welfare, fully guided by the notion that they are kids today, preparing for a fully functional future tomorrow. For now, today, they remain kids and must be encouraged and prodded to develop.
Further information about kids2day! can be gleaned from kids2day4liberia.blogspot.com; You can also contact us at : kids2day.liberia@gmail.com or +231 (0)6-522-334.
Mambo, Grand Cape Mount, September 27, 2009: Community Liaisons for Kids2day! have undergone an orientation session for the upcoming Kids Club. The day long event was held on the weekend in Mambo, Grand Cape Mount.
Participants came from the current four clubs at Mambo, Bo, Tienii and Gbesseh, as well as representatives from Mani, Bandor and Wuilor, which are also aspiring to have clubs set up there and members of the Advisory Board.
Among other things, particpants received lectures on Human Rights, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; the Convention on the Rights of the Child; the Millennium Development Goals.
The workshop also included discussions on activities outlined under the Kids Club as well as lessons on Partnership and Network Building, and the Monitoring of Children Issues
Kids Club is an activity of Kids2day! meant to create safe spaces for children to periodically discuss the issues affecting them in the rural communities and to share ideas about how they can be part of the solution.
The Club includes a room where they can have access to newspapers, books, computers, video, games, radio and other accessories to understand the issues in society, including those that may enhance their own space to understand the issues concerning them.
Kids2day! was developed to get kids to play a creative role in their development. It enhances their personal development, and lays the basis for their future.
The emphasis is on ensuring their rights - whether through education, health care, and other welfare, fully guided by the notion that they are kids today, preparing for a fully functional future tomorrow. For now, today, they remain kids and must be encouraged and prodded to develop.
Further information about kids2day! can be gleaned from kids2day4liberia.blogspot.com; You can also contact us at : kids2day.liberia@gmail.com or +231 (0)6-522-334.
Monday, September 7, 2009
The Gardnersville situation is just the tip
"The Gardnersville situation is just the tip" - Kids2day!
Monrovia, September 7, 2009: a Liberian children development group, Kids2day! says the gross disappointment President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf met at the Goodridge School in Gardnersville (Monrovia) is just the tip of the demoralization the children of Liberia are faced with daily.
"That students in Monrovia are still fighting over chairs, and getting hurt from the process, signals worse conditions in towns ars far off and remote as SassTown, Grand Kru or Vahun in Lofa," Kids2day! official KA Kamara said.
"The media, especially the Heritage Newspaper, did a great job by reporting that disservice to the children of this country, and should be commended for that."
The further challenge is now on the President to demand a review of the changes that should have been made in the educational sector, during the years of her stewardship.
"Education in the public secor is not for profit making, and any effort aimed at making education relevant for the public must be expressed through love for country and fellow man."
Kids2day! has meanwhile commended President Sirleaf for the strong disciplinary action against Education Minister Joseph Korto and his deputies - Hester Catakaw, Emmanuel Roberts, and called for a vigorous review of expenditures on education to ensure that tax payers funds intended for the education of the future generation are being used properly.
Kids2day! has been developed to get kids to play a creative role in their development. It enhances their personal development, and lays the basis for their future.
Photo: A Liberian child raising flags for quality education during a recent kids2day! event
Monday, August 31, 2009
Kids2day! wants your votes.
Kids2day! has proposed Kids Club in the four towns in which they work in Grand Cape Mount County.
Kids Clubs are being set up as safe spaces for children to periodically discuss the issues affecting them in the rural communities and to share ideas about how they can be part of the solution.
The clubs will have school materials, books, toys and games, and will induce the atmosphere where children will learn basics about their rights and other local policies affecting their growth and development.
To ensure support for this activity, Kids2day! has opened a bid with the online fundraising group Give Meanng.
You simply need to vote and make the Kids Club relevant for support. Until September 28, 2009, you can click on the link and vote - http://www.givemeaning.com/proposal/kidsplace
For those who have voted, please share the word. Your votes will help create safe spaces for children in rural Liberia.
Kids2day! was developed to get kids to play a creative role in their development. It enhances their personal development, and lays the basis for their future.
Further information about kids2day! can be gleaned from kids2day4liberia.blogspot.com
You can also contact us at : +231 (0)6-522-334.
Kids Clubs are being set up as safe spaces for children to periodically discuss the issues affecting them in the rural communities and to share ideas about how they can be part of the solution.
The clubs will have school materials, books, toys and games, and will induce the atmosphere where children will learn basics about their rights and other local policies affecting their growth and development.
To ensure support for this activity, Kids2day! has opened a bid with the online fundraising group Give Meanng.
You simply need to vote and make the Kids Club relevant for support. Until September 28, 2009, you can click on the link and vote - http://www.givemeaning.com/proposal/kidsplace
For those who have voted, please share the word. Your votes will help create safe spaces for children in rural Liberia.
Kids2day! was developed to get kids to play a creative role in their development. It enhances their personal development, and lays the basis for their future.
Further information about kids2day! can be gleaned from kids2day4liberia.blogspot.com
You can also contact us at : +231 (0)6-522-334.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Hawa Raises Most Beautiful Flag
Hawa D. Fahnbulleh (14) from Gbesseh was the proud winner of the Flag Day Competition as part of the launch of kids2day! in Tienii on Flag Day, August 24.
Hawa's drawing of the Liberian Flag was selected by fellow participants in a two-step fun filled process. First, participants from each of the participating towns (Gbesseh, Tienii, Bo and Mambo) came on the top table and selected the best three entries from their towns.
Next, a committee, comprising a representative from each town plus the Chairman of kids2day! selected the best three works, and determined the position. The other two winners were Abraham D. Golafaley from Tienii and David A. Forkpa from Bo. Little John Sambola was rewarded for being the youngest participant.
Kids2day! provided paper, colors, pencils, rulers and other working materials for the competition.
The winning entries will be posted at kids2day! office in Tienii, and other entries will be shared with development organizations and government offices to share word about kids2day! activities and help raise funds for future programs.
Kids2day! is working to place children in a position to better understand the issues they are affected by and to play a role in advocating change in their circumstances.
For further information, contact kids2day! kids2day.liberia@gmail.com or telephone: 06-522-334; 06-542-309
Kids add flavor to Flag Day
Kids2day! added new flavor to traditional Flag Day (August 24) activities, with the hosting of its launch event: Raising Flags for Kids! The program was itself a huge success as 60 kids, including 37 girls, participated.
They raised flags for issues as diverse as Justice, Freedom from Abuse, Quality Education, Access to Safe Drinking Water, Access to basic health services, and even the Right to Play.
Kids2day! is working to place children in a position to better understand the issues they are affected by and to play a role in advocating change in those circumstances.
For further information, contact kids2day!
kids2day.liberia@gmail.com or telephone: 06-522-334; 06-542-309
Monday, August 17, 2009
Flags of Liberia
Liberian and county flags fluttering before the Gbarnga 
Administration Building during the July 26
ceremony.
Do you know the flags?
Maryland, Bong, Sinoe, Grand Bassa, Grand Kru...
These make up the Liberian mosaic.
Think about it.
Kids will be raising these flags in Tienii, Grand Cape Mount on Flag Day to highlight the issues that affect their lives daily.
Be there and share their knowledge and circumstances.
For further information, contact kids2day.liberia@gmail.com .
Or call the Creativity Officer at 06-542-309
School Opening Troubles
A lot of troubles come up when schools are about to open. The real common one (or at least the one from which everyone will hear) is the rise in tuition.
"Ay God!," someone yelled. Parents had attended PTA meetings from the first day of school until school closed. There were even meetings for the vacation school, yet they were not hinted that tuition would have risen.
It is very certain that a rise would come. Come on, that is about 5 to 10 per cent annually.
The trouble comes when the rise is 50%. "Where we will take it from?" my aunty wailed.
Next comes the demand that all uniforms are bought from the school. Since when did they get license as petty traders? Before you know, there is the hike in the prices of school materials - stationery, uniform, and even rain coats and umbrellas.
People who want other observances with t-shirts about that same time will also feel the pinch. Mind you, more than 100,000 P.E. t-shirts must be printed, and the store owners must make the killing.
Anyway, ours is to call for calm.
"You too have children. Feel sorry for the poor. They really do not want to be without!"
kids2day! comment
"Ay God!," someone yelled. Parents had attended PTA meetings from the first day of school until school closed. There were even meetings for the vacation school, yet they were not hinted that tuition would have risen.
It is very certain that a rise would come. Come on, that is about 5 to 10 per cent annually.
The trouble comes when the rise is 50%. "Where we will take it from?" my aunty wailed.
Next comes the demand that all uniforms are bought from the school. Since when did they get license as petty traders? Before you know, there is the hike in the prices of school materials - stationery, uniform, and even rain coats and umbrellas.
People who want other observances with t-shirts about that same time will also feel the pinch. Mind you, more than 100,000 P.E. t-shirts must be printed, and the store owners must make the killing.
Anyway, ours is to call for calm.
"You too have children. Feel sorry for the poor. They really do not want to be without!"
kids2day! comment
ONE WEEK TO GO!
It is now only ONE WEEK to RAISE FLAGS for KIDS!
Preparations are well underway.
The kids are rehearsing (if that is the right word)!
Arrangements are being concluded!
Sponsors are stumbling over each other!
And the event is almost here!
Yes! On August 24, kids will be raising flags about the various things that affect them.
Parents will be there, and the government will also be there.
Do not forget. Be there too.
Flag Day, August 24, 2009. Where? Tienii, Grand Cape Mount County.
For further information, contact the Creativity Officer at kids2day.liberia@gmail.com or tel: 06-542-309.
Preparations are well underway.
The kids are rehearsing (if that is the right word)!
Arrangements are being concluded!
Sponsors are stumbling over each other!
And the event is almost here!
Yes! On August 24, kids will be raising flags about the various things that affect them.
Parents will be there, and the government will also be there.
Do not forget. Be there too.
Flag Day, August 24, 2009. Where? Tienii, Grand Cape Mount County.
For further information, contact the Creativity Officer at kids2day.liberia@gmail.com or tel: 06-542-309.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
When is school opening?
The new school year is on the horizons. Some schools will open as early as September 1 (Tuesday), while others will will open by the following week.
About now, parents are scrambling to get school supplies, registration processes are underway, and the commercials are making their biggest gains from school materials: books, book bags, uniforms, stationery, shoes....
The cost are kind of hard now for a number of reasons:
*Schools closed in June
* 26th was in July with lots of expenses
* Salaries come at the end of August, with schools on the verge of opening
Notwithstanding these challenges, the first day of school will be truly colorful. There will be various shades of school uniforms, many students will be transiting from kindergarten to primary to junior high, secondary school, or even college.
New friends, new ideas and new opportunities.
kids2day! welcomes all to the fun world of school! Anything happens here!
About now, parents are scrambling to get school supplies, registration processes are underway, and the commercials are making their biggest gains from school materials: books, book bags, uniforms, stationery, shoes....
The cost are kind of hard now for a number of reasons:
*Schools closed in June
* 26th was in July with lots of expenses
* Salaries come at the end of August, with schools on the verge of opening
Notwithstanding these challenges, the first day of school will be truly colorful. There will be various shades of school uniforms, many students will be transiting from kindergarten to primary to junior high, secondary school, or even college.
New friends, new ideas and new opportunities.
kids2day! welcomes all to the fun world of school! Anything happens here!
Head office in Tienii
kids2day! has successfully set up its head office in Tienii, Tewor District, Grand Cape Mount County.
The office is part of the greater strategy to be based outside Monrovia, and especially in a rural environment.
The office is meant to be within reach of the children, especially from rural parts, who are in greater need of the services that kids2day! seeks to provide.
With this office, kids2day! Chairman Abdullai Kamara says "there is now a guarantee that the children from rural Liberia will be in the best position to live out their dreams."
The office will be officially opened during the launching project: Raising Flags for Kids on Flag Day, August 24.
For more information about the event, contact Creativity Officer, Simaila O. Kamara @ 06-542-309 or on e-mail: kids2day.liberia@gmail.com.
The office is part of the greater strategy to be based outside Monrovia, and especially in a rural environment.
The office is meant to be within reach of the children, especially from rural parts, who are in greater need of the services that kids2day! seeks to provide.
With this office, kids2day! Chairman Abdullai Kamara says "there is now a guarantee that the children from rural Liberia will be in the best position to live out their dreams."
The office will be officially opened during the launching project: Raising Flags for Kids on Flag Day, August 24.
For more information about the event, contact Creativity Officer, Simaila O. Kamara @ 06-542-309 or on e-mail: kids2day.liberia@gmail.com.
Monday, August 10, 2009
37 Girls Sign to Raise Flags
At the close of registration for the Raising Flags for Kids activity, a total of 37 girls between the ages of 8 and 15 signed on to participate.
Creativity Officer Simaila O. Kamara said the number is well ahead of the anticipated 20 girls.
Already, Central Office staff and Liaisions have held orientation sessions to ensure that the program comes up successfully.
kids2day! hopes to draw a record crowd to the Flag Day event, which will be led by children from four towns - Gbesseh, Bo, Tienii and Mambo.
For more information, including about sponsorship, contact: Simaila O. Kamara, Creativity Officer at Tel: 06-542-309 or E-mail: kids2day.liberia@gmail.com
Creativity Officer Simaila O. Kamara said the number is well ahead of the anticipated 20 girls.
Already, Central Office staff and Liaisions have held orientation sessions to ensure that the program comes up successfully.
kids2day! hopes to draw a record crowd to the Flag Day event, which will be led by children from four towns - Gbesseh, Bo, Tienii and Mambo.
For more information, including about sponsorship, contact: Simaila O. Kamara, Creativity Officer at Tel: 06-542-309 or E-mail: kids2day.liberia@gmail.com
Students sitting exam
These students are doing an exam at the Guthrie Junior High School in Bomi County. This school serves a large rubber plantation in Liberia, and students walk for several miles to get there.
These are among the conditions that kids2day! seeks to correct.
What happened to Children Education Funds?
Kids2day! has today expressed concerns about the reported misapplication of funds intended for the development of primary education in Liberia.
A statement by kids2day! Chairman Abdullai Kamara called for the Ministry of Education to provide a clear picture of what is obtaining at the Ministry, and to not just point it out as politically motivated or witch-hunting.
"Liberia is really backwards in terms of education, and there is no reason for which funds set aside to develop our children should be used indiscretionally," Chairman Kamara said.
"There should henceforth be more transparency in these activities, or our future would be doomed," the kids2day! Chair stated.
A statement by kids2day! Chairman Abdullai Kamara called for the Ministry of Education to provide a clear picture of what is obtaining at the Ministry, and to not just point it out as politically motivated or witch-hunting.
"Liberia is really backwards in terms of education, and there is no reason for which funds set aside to develop our children should be used indiscretionally," Chairman Kamara said.
"There should henceforth be more transparency in these activities, or our future would be doomed," the kids2day! Chair stated.
Orientation for Liaisions
Four Commuity Liasion Officers from various towns in Grand Cape Mount held an orientation session with Creativity Officer Simaila O. Kamara and Program Development Officer Mohammed Jaleibah in Tienii on Sunday, August 9.
The session was meant to bring the Liasions in tune with the Raising Flags for Kids, scheduled for August 24 (Flag Day) in Tienii.
Already, 60 kids from Gbesseh, Tienii, Bo and Mambo have signed up for the competition.
There have also been discussions about sponsorship with a number of individuals and organizations.
For further information, contact Creativity Officer - Simaila O. Kamara at Tel: 06-542-309 or E-mail: kids2day.liberia@gmail.com
The session was meant to bring the Liasions in tune with the Raising Flags for Kids, scheduled for August 24 (Flag Day) in Tienii.
Already, 60 kids from Gbesseh, Tienii, Bo and Mambo have signed up for the competition.
There have also been discussions about sponsorship with a number of individuals and organizations.
For further information, contact Creativity Officer - Simaila O. Kamara at Tel: 06-542-309 or E-mail: kids2day.liberia@gmail.com
Friday, August 7, 2009
16 Days to Go
In 16 days, 60 children from four villages around Tienii, Grand Cape Mount will engage in a Flag Day Competition entitled: Raising Flags for Kids under the auspices of kids2day!
15 kids from each village will do various designs and activities related to the flag on Sunday, August 23, and will reconvene at the District Hall on Flag Day (August 24), where they will show case their work and select the best works.
The judges will be selected from among the children themselves. Isn't that cool?
There will be prizes for all participants, and many important guests will be on hand to make the program memorable and pleasurable.
Do not stay away. Come and show your support for a worthwhile idea.
For further information, contact:
Simaila O. Kamara
Creativity Officer
06-542309
kids2day.liberia@gmail.com
15 kids from each village will do various designs and activities related to the flag on Sunday, August 23, and will reconvene at the District Hall on Flag Day (August 24), where they will show case their work and select the best works.
The judges will be selected from among the children themselves. Isn't that cool?
There will be prizes for all participants, and many important guests will be on hand to make the program memorable and pleasurable.
Do not stay away. Come and show your support for a worthwhile idea.
For further information, contact:
Simaila O. Kamara
Creativity Officer
06-542309
kids2day.liberia@gmail.com
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Raising Flags for Kids
Preparations are well underway for the Flag Day Launch of Kids2day! under the theme: Raising Flags for Kids.
An array of guests and sponsors are being arranged to make the program a success.
So far, 60 children between the ages of 5 and 13 have registered to participate.
For further information, including sponsorship, contact Simaila O. Kamara, Creativity Officer @ 06-542-309 or e-mail: kids2day.liberia@gmail.com
An array of guests and sponsors are being arranged to make the program a success.
So far, 60 children between the ages of 5 and 13 have registered to participate.
For further information, including sponsorship, contact Simaila O. Kamara, Creativity Officer @ 06-542-309 or e-mail: kids2day.liberia@gmail.com
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Concern about abandoned kid
Kids2day! has alarmed at the neglect and abandonment of a sickly boy, reported to have been abandoned in an old shed along the Monrovia -Gbarnga Highway.
"This is inhumane and speaks sadly of any country," Mohammed Jaleibah, Programme Development Officer said on Wednesday.
"The government must investigate and prosecute whoever is involved with this evil," Jaleibah said, while calling for proper care and medication for the sick child.
"Every child has a right to adequate care and support, including health and home service," he added.
The abandonment of children are among the issues kids2day! seek to address across Liberia.
"This is inhumane and speaks sadly of any country," Mohammed Jaleibah, Programme Development Officer said on Wednesday.
"The government must investigate and prosecute whoever is involved with this evil," Jaleibah said, while calling for proper care and medication for the sick child.
"Every child has a right to adequate care and support, including health and home service," he added.
The abandonment of children are among the issues kids2day! seek to address across Liberia.
26th for Kids
Kids were an important part of the annual July 26th celebration across the country. For two days, July 26 (a Sunday) and the succeeding Monday, July 27 there were parties, dressing up, gifts seeking and sharing, lots of food and some mischief.
But the real crown was at the National Observance in Gbarnga, where a group of children under the auspices of the Obaa's Girls Outreach staged a make believe pageant about Liberian history, including eminent citizens of Bong County.
These were kids enjoying their moments in preparing to be leaders tomorrow! Nothing could have been happier.
kids2day! savors these moments.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Raising Flags with Kids
Kids2day! has announced the registration of kids to participate in a Flag Day ceremony to be held in Tienii, Tewor District, Grand Cape Mount County.
According to the Creativity Officer, Simaila Kamara, sixty kids from Tienii, Bo, Mambo and Gbesseh will be selected and invited to the event in Tienii.
On the morning of Flag Day (August 24), participants will be provided pens, papers and colors to provide their impression of the Liberian flag as well as related issues that concern them.
The kids will later be asked to select the best work which will later be presented to the audience at an afternoon launch.
Prizes will be provided for all of the children.
Individuals and organizations interested in providing prizes and sponsorship are invited to contact the Creativity Officer @ 06-542309 or email at kids2day.liberia@gmail.com.
kids2day! Making the children participate in determining their future.
According to the Creativity Officer, Simaila Kamara, sixty kids from Tienii, Bo, Mambo and Gbesseh will be selected and invited to the event in Tienii.
On the morning of Flag Day (August 24), participants will be provided pens, papers and colors to provide their impression of the Liberian flag as well as related issues that concern them.
The kids will later be asked to select the best work which will later be presented to the audience at an afternoon launch.
Prizes will be provided for all of the children.
Individuals and organizations interested in providing prizes and sponsorship are invited to contact the Creativity Officer @ 06-542309 or email at kids2day.liberia@gmail.com.
kids2day! Making the children participate in determining their future.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Who are we?
•Kids2day! has been developed to work with kids to play a creative role in their development.
•We work to enhance personal development, and lay the basis for the future of kids.
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