50%
Of girls and women, aged 15-49 have undergone FGM
FGM and inequality
According to UNICEF, half of girls and women in Liberia have undergone female genital mutilation (FGM) and one in three think the practice should continue.
The World Health Organization defines FGM as the partial or total removal of external female genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. The procedure is generally performed on girls when they are still young. Not only are there no known health benefits, it often leads to health complications. The practice perpetuates inequalities and is a violation of the rights of girls and women.
2 Million
Children under the age of 18 live in Liberia
Young and dependent
The population of Liberia is very young. There are over two million children under the age of 18.
Though much has improved in child survival and development in Liberia since the civil war ended in 2003, children still face adversity in all areas of their lives. Because of a lack of infrastructure and services, adults and young people struggle to find stable employment.
Harmful cultural and traditional practices, like female genital mutilation (FGM) and child marriage, present a further challenge to child protection efforts in Liberia.
Your support makes a difference for children in Monrovia
SOS Children’s Villages works with local partners and communities to offer a wide range of support that is adapted to the local context. We always work in the best interest of the children, young people and families.
Learn at our kindergartens and schools
130
Children and young people
Grow up in out care
Are supported on their way to independence
![]()
Children in our care playing a game together. Siblings grow up together, and often form bonds that last a lifetime (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Liberia).
How your support helps in Monrovia
Strengthening vulnerable families and communities
When parents face hardships, they can sometimes struggle to give children the care they need. SOS Children’s Villages works with local partners and communities. Each family needs different support so that they can stay together. This support can include workshops on parenting and children’s rights. We also run trainings so that parents can get the skills they need to get a job or start businesses. Likewise, we ensure that children can get medical help and go to school.
Providing quality education
SOS Children’s Villages ensures that children and young people have access to high-quality education. We help them learn and develop in a safe and supportive environment. We train teachers on children’s rights and child-centered learning, so that each child can get the most out of their education. Young children spend time playing and learning at kindergarten. This prepares them for primary school.
Providing medical care
In areas with limited health services, SOS Children’s Villages provides medical advice and assistance. We offer preventative measures such as medical check-ups and vaccination programmes. Most of the patients who approach us for medical help come from local families, who could otherwise not afford to receive treatment.
Caring for children who cannot live with their families
Some children cannot stay with their families, even with additional support. When this happens, they can find a new home in SOS Children’s Villages. Here the children can build safe and lasting relationships. All the children in our care have access to education and healthcare. Wherever possible, we work closely with the children’s family of origin. If children can return to live with their families, we help them adapt to this change.