Every April 2nd, the world comes together to observe Sexual Assault Awareness Day, a crucial reminder of the ongoing battle against sexual violence. This year, under the theme of “Building Connected Communities,” Holistic Education Advocating Leadership (HEAL), a 501(c)3 organization, took a pioneering step in addressing the rape epidemic and various forms of sexual assault in the United States and Liberia.
Stakeholders Community Leaders, Proprietors, teachers, and pupils from three Monrovia communities joined hands for a symbolic walk. The journey, starting from God of Mercy School (GOMS) in Wroto town, witnessed community leaders lending their voices, uniting three communities with one resolute voice.
In a remarkable display of solidarity, proprietors, teachers, and pupils from three schools across three communities in Monrovia—Wroto town, New Matadi, and Gbargaye Town—joined hands for a symbolic walk on this significant day. The journey commenced at God of Mercy School (GOMS) in Wroto town, meandering its way to Invincible Sports, covering a distance of half a mile. Amidst chants and fervor, community chiefs, leaders, educators, and stakeholders lent their voices to the cause, marking not just a walk but the convergence of three communities with one resolute voice resonating across the globe.
HEAL’s program director Esther Body-Lawson emphasized community unity in combating sexual assault, stressing the importance of preserving children’s innocence and fostering safe environments for expression. Collective action, she urged, is vital, empowering children to speak out.
She said: We need to be connected as a community in unity in order to have a sexual assault free society, she emphasised on the need for children to be children and not have their childhood snatched from them. She also spoke on having all hands on deck and encouraged parents and teachers to have a safe environment for children speak up.
HEAL’s program director, Mark B. Momoh highlighted the organization’s efforts in Liberia. Through partnerships, HEAL conducts educational sessions on recognizing abuse signs and emphasizes confiding in trusted adults. He also spoke on Olivia Zinnah Scholarship Fund, established in memory of a young victim, which underscores HEAL’s commitment.
The community chief of Wroto town commended the collaborative effort, emphasizing community engagement in effecting lasting change.
Similarly, the founder of Able Body Women Organization Mrs. Yornie Cooper expressed a heartfelt commitment to ensuring a safe and nurturing environment for children in the community during her recent speech. Emphasizing the importance of protecting children from poverty and ostracization due to circumstances beyond their control, Mrs. Cooper affirmed her solidarity with the school and pledged unwavering support to collaborate towards maintaining a secure community.
A poignant moment ensued as guests and pupils alike took a stand against sexual assault, imprinting their handprints on a banner—a symbolic gesture of solidarity and commitment to ending the scourge of sexual violence.
HEAL’s initiative underscores the transformative power of education in addressing sexual assault, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education. By empowering children with knowledge and support, HEAL aims to break the cycle of violence and foster safer communities.
As we reflect on Sexual Assault Awareness Day, let us renew our commitment to building connected communities where quality education safeguards every individual’s well-being and dignity. Together, we can create a future free from the fear of abuse and exploitation.
Among the distinguished attendees were : Chief of Wroto town community, Harrison Grisby. Mr. Jeremiah S. Samai from the Women and Children Protection section of SALEM Police Depot Airfield, and Susie T. Telles, Head of Women and Children Protection at the Liberia National Police (LNP). Mrs Yornie M. Cooper.
Partner schools for the walk included SAPA-Liberia in Gbargaye Town, SENOW Academy in New Matadi, and God Of Mercy School in Wroto Town.
A minute of silence was also observed in the honour of Late Olivia Zinnah
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