Africa-Press – Liberia. The launch featured the distribution of educational materials—including book bags, pens, pencils, sharpeners, erasers, calculators, and more—to over 230 students and teachers.
A new advocacy group, the Advocacy for Children Media Education in West Africa Foundation (ACMEWAF), has been launched in Liberia with a strong call for increased investment in early childhood education to address the growing number of children selling in the streets during school hours.
The foundation was officially launched over the weekend at the Church of God of Prophecy in the St. Paul Bridge Community, outside Monrovia, under the theme: “Equipping Minds, Shaping Leaders of Tomorrow.”
The launch featured the distribution of educational materials—including book bags, pens, pencils, sharpeners, erasers, calculators, and more—to over 230 students and teachers from approximately 40 schools across electoral districts 15, 16, and 17 in Montserrado County. Additionally, five laptop computers were awarded to students who excelled in a brief academic quizzing competition.
Speaking at the event, ACMEWAF’s Founder and CEO, Dennis Dougba, recounted the personal hardships he faced in his own pursuit of education, revealing that he did not start school until the age of 12 due to financial constraints.
“I didn’t go to school until I was 12 years old because my parents didn’t have the means. Many of you started school at the age of five,” he said. “Article 26 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that education is a human right. We are here to advocate for less privileged children to have the same access to education as others.”
Dougba emphasized the foundation’s commitment to holding the government accountable in ensuring that every child in Liberia and across West Africa enjoys their right to quality education. He decried the reality of children being forced to sell in the streets to support their families while their peers are in school.
“Children you see in the streets selling have dreams, but those dreams can’t be fulfilled unless society ensures they’re in school. We will talk to people and look for funding to help you—because I was once in your shoes,” he told the students.
He also pledged to hold accountable those parents and guardians who, despite having the means, fail to send their children or wards to school for personal reasons. Dougba urged students to avoid negative influences and focus on their education in order to become responsible and productive citizens.
“Our vision is not just to empower or advocate for children, but to help them meet life’s challenges through access to education,” added Paul Doe, Coordinator of ACMEWAF.
Delivering the keynote address, former Montserrado County District 16 Representative candidate P. Manasseh Conto hailed Liberian students as the “potential leaders” of the country and stressed the importance of investing in their education.
“When you walk the streets, you see children selling—many of them used to support their families,” he noted. “If parents truly understood the importance of the human mind, they would never send their children out to hustle for money.”
Conto argued that Liberia’s development is hindered by the negative mindset of many citizens and that real transformation will require a national shift in thinking, starting with the younger generation. He said the current system often fails to nurture the curiosity and potential of students.
“Our tomorrow depends on what we do with these young minds today,” he said. “We must equip the next generation not just with knowledge but with the mindset to challenge the status quo and embrace innovation.”
He called for education to be prioritized in national budgeting processes, recommending that lawmakers reduce their own salaries and allocate more funding to the education sector. He also advocated for increased support for vocational education, with policies designed to prepare students before they graduate high school.
Conto concluded by encouraging students to take their studies seriously, emphasizing that education is the key to transforming their lives and those of their families.
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