Monrovia, Liberia - Abraham Alvin Roberts, a young Liberian child advocate, journalist, and motivational speaker, is on a mission to amplify the voices of children in Liberia. Growing up in Paynesville, Roberts witnessed firsthand the struggles of children selling on the streets, families facing poverty, and limited opportunities for young people. These experiences shaped his advocacy journey, transforming his interest in leadership into a determination to speak publicly about the conditions confronting Liberia's children.
Roberts' advocacy journey began in school, where he became involved in student leadership while attending Johnson K. Baysahwala Elementary, Junior and Senior High School. He graduated in 2024 and later pursued journalism and media relations training at the Peter Quaqua School of Journalism and MediaAid Foundation. Roberts also undertook public-speaking training through the Liberia Institute of Public Speaking, equipping him with the skills to investigate, communicate, and engage the public.
As a Co-Founder of the Child Shield Initiative, a youth-led organization focused on protecting vulnerable children, Roberts has sought to intervene in cases involving children living in difficult circumstances. The initiative has attempted to help children return to school and access support, but Roberts notes that the organization faces significant financial challenges, relying on personal resources and not receiving donor funding. Despite this, he claims that the initiative assisted approximately 300 children from the streets last year.
One incident that reinforced Roberts' commitment to child protection involved a child allegedly beaten by a parent after failing a school test. Through the Child Shield Initiative, Roberts and colleagues met the child, gathered information, and reported the matter to the Ministry of Gender. The child was subsequently placed under protective care, demonstrating the importance of advocacy and collaboration with authorities.
Roberts is particularly concerned about the continued presence of children on Liberia's streets, arguing that government interventions must go beyond removing children from street corners. He wants stronger government intervention against child street-selling, coupled with measures addressing poverty and family circumstances that push children into the streets. Roberts believes that enforcement alone cannot solve the problem and that education, social protection, and economic opportunities must form part of the response.
Beyond advocacy, Roberts serves as Communications Director of the BLAZE Movement, a youth initiative focused on leadership, education, and social development. He has also developed experience in journalism, public speaking, and social-media content production. Through his digital platforms, Roberts presents motivational and inspirational content aimed at encouraging young Liberians to become more active in their communities.
Roberts' ambitions extend beyond child advocacy, with interests in justice, education, youth empowerment, and inclusive development. He hopes to build the experience and skills necessary to make a meaningful contribution to public service, potentially entering politics in the future. His philosophy is rooted in the belief that young people should participate, organize, and speak out to solve the country's problems.
Key points
- Roberts' personal experiences with poverty, child abuse, and street-selling have driven his advocacy for stronger child protection laws in Liberia.
- The Child Shield Initiative, co-founded by Roberts, has assisted approximately 300 children from the streets, but faces financial challenges.
- Roberts advocates for a comprehensive approach to addressing child street-selling, including education, social protection, and economic opportunities.
