By Laymah Kollie
Monrovia, Liberia – The Precious Pearl Ireland Foundation has commemorated its 4th anniversary, honoring the memory of slain teenager Precious Pearl Ireland while renewing its commitment to youth safety, empowerment, and violence prevention across Liberia.
The foundation, established on April 30, 2022, was founded by Rita-Rose Ireland, mother of the late 16-year-old, who tragically lost her life in a shooting incident on April 13, 2021 at Cyber-Ed Christian School in Monrovia. Precious, born December 2, 2006, was laid to rest on April 30, 2021—a date that has since become symbolic for remembrance and advocacy.
In a statement marking the occasion, the foundation emphasized its guiding principle of “turning grief into guidance,” noting that while Precious’s loss remains deeply felt, her story continues to inspire action aimed at protecting young people.
“The Precious Pearl Ireland Foundation was born from loss but exists to promote safety through awareness, advocacy, and empowerment,” the statement read. “Her absence is felt every single day, but her story must become a message—and that message must lead to action.”
The foundation described the circumstances surrounding Precious’s death as part of a broader and ongoing crisis affecting young people, citing rising concerns over violence and drug abuse among adolescents. It stressed that effective safety measures must extend beyond physical security.
“Safety isn’t just about security guards and metal detectors,” the statement noted. “Real safety starts with guidance, counseling, and positive peer influence.”
Over the past three years, the organization has implemented several initiatives aimed at prevention and youth development. These include the Knight Reapers Basketball Academy, which provides mentorship and structured engagement for young people, as well as psychosocial counseling and child protection programs targeting educators, parents, community leaders, and faith-based institutions.
Additional programs include vacation-based life skills and peer counseling training for adolescents, alongside empowerment initiatives for single mothers. The foundation says these efforts are designed to address the root causes of violence by promoting positive values and strengthening support systems within communities.
The group emphasized that prevention must begin at home and within communities, where young people can feel supported and guided. It called on stakeholders across society to play a more active role in safeguarding the next generation.
School administrators were urged to collaborate with grassroots organizations to integrate safety and mentorship into daily learning environments, while parents were encouraged to involve their children in programs that foster discipline and strong values. Young people, the foundation said, must also take responsibility by supporting one another and intervening when peers are at risk.
“We honor her not with silence, but with action,” said Rita-Rose Ireland, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the foundation. “We must make campuses safe by building guidance into daily life—not just reacting after tragedy. This is how we prevent the next loss. This is how we keep our children alive.”
The April 13, 2021 shooting at Cyber-Ed Christian School sent shockwaves across Monrovia and sparked national concern about safety in schools—spaces traditionally regarded as secure environments for learning and growth.
Four years on, the Precious Pearl Ireland Foundation says it remains steadfast in its mission to transform personal tragedy into a broader movement for change, ensuring that no more young lives are lost to preventable violence.
