By Precious D. Freeman
As the International Day of the Girl Child celebration commences today, the British Embassy, which serves as the donor partner for the West Point Women for Health and Development Organization (WPWHDO), engaged with young female students who are beneficiaries of their programs.
The event took place at Matilda Newport Junior High School, gathering students from six local schools.
Deputy British Ambassador and Development Counsellor to Liberia, Joanna Markbreiter, highlighted the significance of empowering girls through education.
“We are proud to support initiatives that uplift young girls in Liberia, enabling them to realize their potential and dreams”, she stated.
The participating schools included G.W. Gibson High School, Marvin Soni, Newport Junior High (the host), Monrovia Central High, A.V. Massaquoi, and Charles W. Brumskine.
Each student brought unique perspectives and stories, underscoring the theme of this year’s celebration: “Girls’ Vision for the Future.” This theme emphasizes urgent action and resilience amid global challenges like climate change, conflict, and poverty.
“Today’s generation of girls is facing unprecedented challenges, yet they remain hopeful and take action towards a better future,” Markbreiter said. “With the right support and resources, the potential of the world’s 1.1 billion girls is limitless.”
Following the school’s visit, Markbreiter planned to tour the projects of the WPWHDO, which is dedicated to providing educational opportunities for talented young girls from some of the city’s most disadvantaged areas.
Her interactions with the students revealed their eagerness to share experiences and aspirations, showcasing their determination to succeed.
Markbreiter reinforced the message of equality, stating, “Both girls and boys deserve equal opportunities to succeed. It is crucial that we continue to support girls’ education and empowerment.”
Echoing these sentiments, Nelly S. Cooper, Executive Director of WPWHDO, encouraged the students to maximize their sponsorships and educational resources.
“As we celebrate today, let’s focus on empowering all girls to understand their potential and challenge stereotypes,” she said.
WPWHDO, founded in 2002, plays a crucial role in addressing various challenges faced by women and children in the West Point community, the largest slum community in Monrovia’s suburb.
The organization works on issues including gender-based violence, health and sanitation, and economic empowerment, with a membership exceeding 2,500.
As the celebration continues, the British Embassy has reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with local organizations to enhance girls’ education and empowerment in Liberia.
The students expressed their gratitude to Markbreiter and the WPWHDO for their unwavering support, pledging to make the most of the opportunities provided to them.
“This support means everything to us,” one student remarked. “It inspires us to work harder and pursue our dreams.”
The day’s events underscored a shared vision: that with proper support, the next generation of girls in Liberia will be empowered to become leaders and change makers in their communities.
The International Day of the Girl Child serves as a reminder of the ongoing need to uplift and advocate for girls everywhere, ensuring that their voices are heard and their futures bright.
