Heritage (Monrovia)
AllAfrica aggregates reports from Africa's news media.
This is an article from the Liberian press.
24 January 2012
"As I travel around the country, it breaks my heart to see what are, virtually, babies having babies - teenage girls raising families when they should be in school. Large numbers of young girls live on the streets, and resort to prostitution to make a living. Many girls, some very young, have their dignity and their future undermined by the viciousness of rape," lamented President Ellen Johnson- Sirleaf. According to President Johnson- Sirleaf: "This must be unacceptable".
The President's comments were contained in her Annual Message she delivered to the First Session of the 53rd Legislature of Liberia on Monday, January 23, 2012 at the Capitol Building-the seat of the Legislature.
Addressing the First Session of the 53rd Legislature under theme: "Reflecting the Past, Claiming the Future", President Johnson-Sirleaf, however, said her government plans to partner, where possible, with faith-based institutions, with the churches, to reopen and expand girls' boarding schools, to reduce the pressure on "our young girls and provide a nurturing environment where they can learn and become contributing members of society".
Said the President: "We must pay special attention to our girls. It will be to Liberia's benefit when our women are educated and contribute as equal partners in government and the private sector."
She furthered: "We will make provision for our young people outside of Monrovia. Government's decentralization program will create economic incentives for young people to remain in their counties or even begin migration away from the Capital. This will entail creating the environment to encourage entrepreneurship so that young people can start their own businesses and be self-employed."
She recalled that last May, the Senior Advisor Office embarked on a Social Enterprise Development Program (EDP), to make Liberians self-sustainable and enterprising.
According to her, the program earmarks youth and women in economically challenged communities in Montserrado County, noting since its inception, 18 groups have benefited.
"Today, we are pleased to have with us Ms. Elizabeth Dorkin and Ms. Vero Santi. These are the owners of the Doe Community Women Tailoring Shop. With an initial investment of just US$5,271 Elizabeth and Vero rented a shop, purchased sewing machines and other materials, and have already enrolled and successfully trained 150 women. Also with us are Emmanual Parrison and Burphy George, from Strapper FC in New Kru Town. Strapper FC is comprised of 17 young people. With an investment of US$10,627 a shop was rented, furnished with play station, barbering materials and two motorbikes to start a business," the Liberian leader stated at the well attended annual address program.
The program was attended by members of 53rd Legislature, officials of government, members of the diplomatic corps, the media among others.
"Today, these young people who were once neglected have a sustainable source of income to help feed themselves and contribute to their educational advancement, stressing the stories of these young people show that they have empowered themselves through their efforts and industry," the Liberian leader further stated amid a big applause from the audience.
Meanwhile, President Johnson-Sirleaf has expressed the hope that they will serve as a motivation and incentive to others. See pages 4&5 for President Johnson-Sirleaf Annual Message.
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Source: http://allafrica.com/stories/201201241176.html
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