The Global Debate: Liberia

The Launch: March 12th

"Education is important to me because it is the key of success. If you are educated you will bring peace in the society and also in the family". (Student of the 8th grade from one of the schools in Grand Gedeh)

On March 12th nearly one thousand five hundred children, government representatives, NGOs and other community members joined hands in Zwedru, Liberia, to promote education for peace on the launch of the new Save the Children global debate.

At the outset of the event, the Programme Manager for Education, Martha Hewison said,  "This campaign offers a chance for us to reinforce the importance of equal, quality education in a safe learning environment for all Liberian children." She went on to say "Save the Children and the Ministry of Education are working hand in hand to ensure that children feel safe at school and will reach their full potential".

Leading the debate that day was the honourable County Education Officer, Mr Charpy. He remarked that, "Save the Children continues to be an outstanding partner to the Ministry of Education in programs and project design to improve the quality of education in Grand Gedeh School System." He went on to say, "Education plays a significant role in conflict prevention and peace building. Quality education can promote peace and foster the possibility of a stable society. Research has indicated that a well-managed educational system can prevent criminal arrest, encourage conflict resolution, human rights, peaceful co-existence and hope for the hopeless."

To celebrate the launch children marched through the streets of Zwedru, Grand Gedeh County and there was a performance from the famous George Boutini who entertained the children and the crowd with his jokes and spread messages on the importance of equal and quality education in safe environments in Liberian schools. He highlighted through comedy the importance of sending your child to school and how education was central to maintaining peace.

Children also had their own messages about the link between peace and education with children's participation being central to the event. Each school read a special message on education and peace and also performed songs, dances and dramas to promote the theme of peace and education.Students of M. Nixon Garlo Evangelical Lutheran School said: ‘An educated nation is a peaceful nation, therefore make education a priority'.

The event had a fantastic turnout with 13 schools participating and a crowd of children and young people who walked along the march and enjoyed the performance of the famous comedian and his crew.

Susan Grant, the Country Director for Save the Children ended her speech saying, "Say yes to peace, say yes to equal and quality education!" reflecting the key message of the day. She added, "For countries affected by conflict like Liberia education is integral to building long term peace and prosperity. Schools are vital in protecting children and supporting their emotional and social development by giving them comfort, security and opportunity. We need to make this a reality in Liberia".

Ultimately, and to conclude with the words of the Liberian children: "When there is education there is peace on minds, when there is peace there will be togetherness, and when there is togetherness there is development".( Statement of students from St. Philomena School, Zwedru, Grand Gedeh County).

Listen to the radio jingle for the event here.

Add your views to the international global debate here