Giving Children a Voice in Postwar Liberia

Beaming with smiles and full of vigor, twenty child broadcasters seized the airwaves of Radio Kintoma in Lofa County, Northern Liberia, from the 1st to 9th December, 2007.  This event was in celebration of International Children’s Day of Broadcasting (ICDB).

The week presented a unique opportunity for children in Lofa to speak out on issues that affected their well being, growth and development.

The week also provided policy makers in government, non-governmental agencies, media personnel, communities and the children themselves with a unique opportunity to create not only a better broadcast environment but also a better world for young people.

Child broadcasters engaged in one of their studio activities

Every owner of a transistor radio in the remote Liberia district was locked on to Radio Kintoma when the child broadcasters hosted live studio discussions and conducted interviews on issues that are of interest to their growth and development.

They interviewed policy makers, development workers, children and petit traders about life after the war in that part of the country.

In a joint resolution, the child broadcasters pointed out that they are often subjected to abuses such as sexual harassment, child labor, child trafficking, and the failure of parents to send them to school. Reading the resolution on behalf of the Children of Lofa County, 16 -year old Valarie Johnson said: “We the children of Lofa County say it must come to an end now. If you can not help us do not harm us. We are very important and we are your assets. If you invest in us today, we will be in a better position to take Lofa County to the highest height where others have failed to take it for the past 100 years. We are children with potentials. Don’t overlook us.”

They challenged their local leaders, development workers, and other key actors to provide protection for them and a conducive learning environment.

The children also thanked Plan Liberia for supporting the entire event that gave them the opportunity, for the first time, to use their

Child broadcasters participating in the ICDB

community radio station to speak on issues affecting them. “Words are inadequate to express how I feel. But I just want to say thank you to Plan Liberia for having me on the radio. My parents and friends listened to me and they enjoyed my presentation. I am too happy,” said Jerry, one of the child broadcasters. 

“Had it not been for the support we received from Plan Liberia and Radio Kintoma we would not have had the opportunity to be heard,” 15-year old Kebbeh Flomo said.