Liberia

Liberia: Rebuilding Childhood in the Wake of War and Silence

Explore Liberia:

Discover how children in this post-conflict nation are living through the legacies of war, abuse, and inequality — and meet the grassroots defenders making room for healing, learning, and love.

The Situation for Children in Liberia

Liberia is rich in resilience, with a people who have survived war, disease, and displacement. But its youngest generation still carries the burdens of broken systems. In schools, streets, and homes, children face cycles of trauma and neglect. These are the three most urgent challenges:

Sexual Abuse and Exploitation With Limited Justice

Liberia has one of the highest rates of child sexual abuse in West Africa. Survivors often face stigma, lack access to legal protection, and are pressured into silence or forced settlements.

Barriers to Education, Especially for Girls and the Rural Poor

Though primary education is officially free, fees for uniforms, materials, and transport keep many out of school. Girls face the added burden of teen pregnancy, early marriage, and harassment.

Mental Health Trauma and a Lack of Child-Centered Care

The trauma of war, Ebola, poverty, and abuse remains largely unaddressed. Children have few safe spaces to talk, play, or begin to heal — and trained counselors are scarce outside of Monrovia.

Despite these challenges, Liberia’s children remain full of hope, dreaming of education, health, and opportunities for a better tomorrow.

Key Contributor #1: Think Liberia

Defending Girls From Abuse and Empowering Them to Speak Out

In communities across Liberia, Think Liberia offers safe housing, counseling, legal advocacy, and empowerment programs for girls who have experienced sexual abuse, trafficking, or domestic violence. They operate Liberia’s only dedicated long-term shelter for girls — a place of recovery, education, and strength.

Their programs also train girls as peer advocates and work with law enforcement and courts to pursue justice. Through radio, schools, and street outreach, Think Liberia gives girls tools to be heard.

They don’t just protect girls — they equip them to protect each other.

Key Contributor #2: Touching Humanity In Need of Kindness (THINK)

Restoring Hope for Orphans, War Survivors, and At-Risk Youth

Working throughout greater Monrovia and rural counties, THINK provides trauma counseling, psychosocial support, and education sponsorship for orphaned, abandoned, and war-affected children. They run mobile outreach units that bring care directly to underserved neighborhoods.

THINK also offers vocational skills, mental health workshops, and community dialogues that center children’s needs. For youth who grew up in silence or survival mode, THINK creates a space for identity, safety, and possibility.

In Liberia, THINK is where healing begins with kindness — and ends with strength.

Key Event #1: Justice for Girls March – Monrovia

Raising a Public Voice Against Child Rape and Exploitation

In 2023, Think Liberia organized the Justice for Girls March, bringing together hundreds of survivors, students, and child advocates to demand stronger laws, faster prosecutions, and dignity for victims of sexual violence.

Marchers held signs with names and stories of survivors, calling for reform and a national sexual offense court. Survivors shared poetry and public testimony, reclaiming space long dominated by shame.

The march was not just a protest — it was a promise: girls will never be quiet again.

Key Event #2: Child Healing Circles – Bong and Grand Bassa Counties

Helping Children Process War and Loss Through Story and Art

In 2024, THINK launched Child Healing Circles in two post-conflict regions, offering small-group support for children who had experienced war-related trauma, Ebola loss, or domestic abuse.

Facilitated by trained counselors, the circles included storytelling, song, drawing, and quiet time. Children spoke of fear, hope, and memory — often for the first time.

For many, the circles were not just therapy — they were family.

Top Grassroot Nonprofits Across Liberia