YMCA Liberia, in collaboration with the Civil Peace Service (CPS) Project, joined the world in commemorating the Day of the African Child 2026 at the Kakata YMCA in Kakata, Margibi County.
This year’s Day of the African Child was held under the theme: “Ensuring Universal Access to Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene for Every Child in Africa.” This year’s theme underscores the urgent need to prioritize clean water, safe sanitation, and good hygiene as fundamental rights for every child.
The program brought together students from various schools in Kakata, members of the Kakata YMCA Youth Council, and representatives from community structures. The event was marked by inspiring speeches and strong calls to action for sustainable Water sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) programs in schools and communities.
A message on behalf of the National General Secretary, Madam Vonyee Newton Kolison was read by the Communication Officer of the Liberia YMCA. Mrs. Kolison emphasized that:
“Access to clean water, safe sanitation facilities, and proper hygiene is essential for children’s health, education, dignity, and overall development.”
“Investing in water, sanitation, and hygiene is an investment in our children’s future and in the future of our nation.” The statement said.
Madam Kolison encouraged children to become ambassadors of good hygiene and environmental responsibility, while calling on government institutions, partners, schools, and communities to unite in ensuring that no child is left behind.
Indoor program in Kakata celebrating the Day of the African Child
Keynote Address and Remarks
The Keynote Speaker highlighted the importance of Water Sanitation and Hygiene) WASH programs in schools and communities, citing challenges faced in counties including Margibi. He urged participants to spread the message of safe and clean hygiene practices in their schools and communities.
Jefferson Weah, Jr., representing the Margibi Children Representative Forum, expressed appreciation to YMCA Liberia and its partners for organizing the celebration, emphasizing its importance in promoting and strengthening children’s voices and rights.
The CPS Project Coordinator, Morris Kamara, Sr., in an overview of the program and the CPS initiative, stressed CPS’s and YMCA’s roles in promoting peace, inclusion, and sustainable development. He linked the Day of the African Child celebration to broader CPS efforts that empower young people to articulate their interests in non-violent ways and foster social cohesion.
Youth Peace & Security Training
In addition to the Kakata celebration, YMCA Liberia is implementing a Youth Peace & Security Training for Peace Club Leaders and Youth Councils across Montserrado, Bong, Margibi, and Nimba counties. Grounded in the Africa Alliance of YMCAs Youth Peace and Security (YPS) Program and aligned with UN Security Council Resolution 2250, the training equips young people with practical skills in peacebuilding, mediation, advocacy, and community engagement.
Between June 15–27, 2026, a total of 76 young people will benefit from structured sessions designed to strengthen their leadership capacity, promote peer-to-peer knowledge transfer, and implement youth-led peacebuilding initiatives.
This training complements YMCA Liberia’s Subject to Citizen philosophy of transforming youth from passive observers into active citizens who take ownership of peace and development in their communities.
The Day of the African Child 2026 celebration in Kakata and the Youth Peace & Security Training initiative reflect YMCA Liberia’s unwavering commitment to empowering young people, promoting peace, and ensuring sustainable development.
Together with partners including Bread for the World and the Civil Peace Service Network, YMCA Liberia continues to champion children’s rights, amplify youth voices, and build stronger, more resilient communities across Liberia.
Written by Vamunyan Adam Sesay
YMCA Liberia, in collaboration with the Civil Peace Service (CPS) Project, joined the world in commemorating the Day of the African Child 2026 at the Kakata YMCA in Kakata, Margibi County.
This year’s Day of the African Child was held under the theme: “Ensuring Universal Access to Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene for Every Child in Africa.” This year’s theme underscores the urgent need to prioritize clean water, safe sanitation, and good hygiene as fundamental rights for every child.
The program brought together students from various schools in Kakata, members of the Kakata YMCA Youth Council, and representatives from community structures. The event was marked by inspiring speeches and strong calls to action for sustainable Water sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) programs in schools and communities.
A message on behalf of the National General Secretary, Madam Vonyee Newton Kolison was read by the Communication Officer of the Liberia YMCA. Mrs. Kolison emphasized that:
“Access to clean water, safe sanitation facilities, and proper hygiene is essential for children’s health, education, dignity, and overall development.”
“Investing in water, sanitation, and hygiene is an investment in our children’s future and in the future of our nation.” The statement said.
Madam Kolison encouraged children to become ambassadors of good hygiene and environmental responsibility, while calling on government institutions, partners, schools, and communities to unite in ensuring that no child is left behind.
Indoor program in Kakata celebrating the Day of the African Child
Keynote Address and Remarks
The Keynote Speaker highlighted the importance of Water Sanitation and Hygiene) WASH programs in schools and communities, citing challenges faced in counties including Margibi. He urged participants to spread the message of safe and clean hygiene practices in their schools and communities.
Jefferson Weah, Jr., representing the Margibi Children Representative Forum, expressed appreciation to YMCA Liberia and its partners for organizing the celebration, emphasizing its importance in promoting and strengthening children’s voices and rights.
The CPS Project Coordinator, Morris Kamara, Sr., in an overview of the program and the CPS initiative, stressed CPS’s and YMCA’s roles in promoting peace, inclusion, and sustainable development. He linked the Day of the African Child celebration to broader CPS efforts that empower young people to articulate their interests in non-violent ways and foster social cohesion.
Youth Peace & Security Training
In addition to the Kakata celebration, YMCA Liberia is implementing a Youth Peace & Security Training for Peace Club Leaders and Youth Councils across Montserrado, Bong, Margibi, and Nimba counties. Grounded in the Africa Alliance of YMCAs Youth Peace and Security (YPS) Program and aligned with UN Security Council Resolution 2250, the training equips young people with practical skills in peacebuilding, mediation, advocacy, and community engagement.
Between June 15–27, 2026, a total of 76 young people will benefit from structured sessions designed to strengthen their leadership capacity, promote peer-to-peer knowledge transfer, and implement youth-led peacebuilding initiatives.
This training complements YMCA Liberia’s Subject to Citizen philosophy of transforming youth from passive observers into active citizens who take ownership of peace and development in their communities.
The Day of the African Child 2026 celebration in Kakata and the Youth Peace & Security Training initiative reflect YMCA Liberia’s unwavering commitment to empowering young people, promoting peace, and ensuring sustainable development.
Together with partners including Bread for the World and the Civil Peace Service Network, YMCA Liberia continues to champion children’s rights, amplify youth voices, and build stronger, more resilient communities across Liberia.
Written by Vamunyan Adam Sesay