First Lady Takes Reproductive Health Education to Schools

By Stephen G. Fellajuah

BUCHANAN, Grand Bassa County, August 25, 2026 — First Lady Kartumu Yarta Boakai has launched a school-based adolescent reproductive health initiative targeting more than 12,000 young people as part of efforts to combat teenage pregnancy and keep girls in school.

The initiative, dubbed “Her Voice, Her Future,” will establish 50 Adolescent Reproductive Health Clubs in public and faith-based schools across Grand Bassa, Montserrado, Margibi, Bomi and Nimba counties.

The clubs will provide adolescents between the ages of 10 and 19 with access to reproductive health information, counseling, leadership development and referrals to youth-friendly healthcare services.

Speaking at the launch in Buchanan, Madam Boakai said the initiative is based on the belief that every Liberian child deserves access to accurate information, guidance and protection to make informed decisions about their future.

“Whenever a girl loses her voice, we risk losing part of her future,” the First Lady said.

The launch brought together officials from the Ministries of Health, Gender and Education, county authorities, school administrators, healthcare workers, parents, community leaders and other stakeholders.

Madam Boakai said many young Liberians experience puberty and begin relationships without adequate information or guidance, increasing their vulnerability to teenage pregnancy and other reproductive health challenges.

She warned that teenage pregnancy can force girls out of school and prevent them from realizing their educational and career ambitions.

According to the First Lady, the initiative will go beyond identifying problems by providing practical support to help adolescents make informed and responsible choices.

Under the program, the reproductive health clubs will serve as safe spaces where students can ask questions, receive reliable information, develop leadership skills and interact with responsible adults.

The initiative will also train peer educators and school health focal persons while strengthening counseling and referral systems, menstrual health education and programs aimed at protecting the dignity of girls.

Madam Boakai said addressing teenage pregnancy and adolescent reproductive health cannot be left entirely to schools and healthcare institutions.

She called for the involvement of parents, teachers, faith leaders, traditional leaders and communities in educating and protecting young people.

The First Lady particularly urged parents to engage their children in open conversations about puberty, relationships, pregnancy, responsibility and personal safety.

“Silence does not stop curiosity. Silence does not stop peer pressure. Silence does not stop pregnancy. Silence does not stop abuse,” she said.

She warned that when parents avoid difficult conversations, young people may seek information elsewhere and could be exposed to inaccurate or harmful advice.

Madam Boakai therefore urged families to create environments in which children can ask sensitive questions without fear of condemnation.

Addressing young people directly, the First Lady encouraged girls to remain in school, protect their ambitions and recognize their worth.

She also urged boys to understand that responsibility, respect and responsible fatherhood are essential aspects of manhood.

The First Lady disclosed that the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) provided a catalytic investment of US$100,000 to support the initiative.

She said the funding reflects a broader commitment to improving adolescent health and development across Africa but cautioned that financial support alone would not guarantee the program’s long-term success.

According to Madam Boakai, lessons and evidence generated from “Her Voice, Her Future” are expected to help inform Liberia’s broader national school health and adolescent reproductive health framework.