-Ahead of Girls’ Empowerment Sports Camp
MONROVIA — As preparations intensify for the highly anticipated Football 4 Development Girls Empowerment & Sports Camp, organizers and their United Nations partners have equipped coaches, mentors, and volunteers with critical human rights knowledge to ensure the safety and empowerment of young participants.
The LIFE Liberia team gathered at the UN House for a comprehensive day-long Human Rights Training organized by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) Liberia. The session brought together staff, coaches, mentors, and volunteers who will lead the upcoming camp, arming them with essential skills in child protection, gender-based violence prevention, and youth leadership.
Mr. Christian Mukosa, Country Representative of OHCHR Liberia, set the tone with inspiring welcome remarks, challenging every participant to remain focused and continue being bold changemakers in their communities.
“We are not just training sports coaches,” Mukosa told the gathering. “We are preparing guardians of children’s rights and champions of equality. The work you do on the field extends far beyond the game.”
The training received a significant boost with a special visit from Madam Christine N. Umutoni, UN Resident Coordinator in Liberia, who shared a deeply personal story about her daughter’s journey in sports management. She urged the team to remain dedicated to changing the narrative for young girls through sport.
“Sport has the power to transform lives,” Umutoni said. “When you invest in a girl through sports, you are investing in her confidence, her leadership, and her future. Never underestimate the impact you will have on these young lives.”
The training covered critical protection and empowerment modules led by key UN experts. Mr. Melvin Nyanway, Human Rights Officer at OHCHR, facilitated sessions on Human Rights Fundamentals, Youth Leadership, and Conflict Resolution, providing participants with practical tools to foster inclusive and respectful environments.
Mr. Dhogba G. Mabande, Program Officer at UN Women Liberia, led the module on Prevention of Abuse, Exploitation, and Gender-Based Violence (GBV), equipping coaches to recognize warning signs and respond appropriately to protect young girls from harm.
Mr. Samuel K. Mensah, Child Protection Specialist at UNICEF Liberia, delivered comprehensive training on Child Rights and Child Protection, ensuring that participants understood their legal and ethical obligations to safeguard minors under their care.
“Every child has the right to play, learn, and grow in a safe environment,” Mensah emphasized. “As coaches and mentors, you are the first line of defense. This training ensures you have the knowledge and confidence to protect every young girl who walks onto that field.”
The day concluded with a post-training knowledge assessment to ensure coaches and mentors are fully prepared to lead, protect, and empower with excellence at the upcoming camp. The assessment confirmed that participants had absorbed the critical lessons and were ready to apply them in real-world scenarios.
Madam Jodie Marian Reid Seton, Executive Director and Founder of LIFE Liberia, expressed deep gratitude to OHCHR, UN Women, UNICEF, and the entire UN Family in Liberia for consistently showing up to invest in and empower the next generation.
“This is not just about football,” Seton said. “This is about building leaders, defenders of rights, and champions for peace. Our coaches and mentors are now equipped with the tools they need to protect every child and empower every girl who will participate in this camp.”
The Football 4 Development Girls Empowerment & Sports Camp is designed to use sport as a vehicle for social change, promoting gender equality, leadership development, and community cohesion among young Liberian girls. The training ensures that every participant will be supported by adults who understand their rights and are committed to their protection.
