WORLD ORPHANS DAY

Liberia National Children Forum celebrates World Orphans Day with Calls for Greater Support The Liberian National Children’s Representative Forum has concluded its commemoration of World Orphans Day in Liberia, using the occasion to raise awareness on the rights and welfare of orphans across the country. Speaking at the event, the Speaker of the Liberian National Children’s Representative Forum, Hon. Jutomue Doetein, shared a historical perspective, noting that the first people to officially care for orphans were the Romans, who established the world’s first orphanage around 400 AD. Addressing the press, Hon. Doetein expressed concern that orphans in Liberia have not been given the attention they deserve. He emphasized that children must be treated equally in society, as stipulated by the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and the Children’s Law of Liberia. The Speaker explained that World Orphans Day was used as a platform to promote children’s rights in Liberia. Activities included motivational talks for orphans, awareness sessions on the 2011 Children’s Law of Liberia, and advocacy for the principles enshrined in the UNCRC. As the National Orphans Representative, I am pleased to express my satisfaction in collaborating with the Speaker to mark the occasion. The celebration included visits to two orphanages — the Great Commission Orphanage in Chicken Soup Factory, Gardnersville, and the Sis. Iye Orphanage** in Kebbah, Barnersville Township — where the team engaged with children, offered encouragement, and shared messages of hope. The event concluded with renewed calls for government, communities, and stakeholders to prioritize the welfare of orphans, ensuring that no child is left behind.