Liberia: Graduates receive Certificates in Psychological Counseling

The Precious Pearl Ireland Foundation (PPIF), in partnership with the Sustainable Empowerment for Economic and Environmental  Development (SEED), has certified 24 graduates in psychological counseling, child protection, and the theory and practice of advocacy.

The foundation is named in honor of the late Precious Ireland, the 16-year-old who died by a gunshot wound her schoolmate, Jovanus Oliver Turay at the Cyber-Ed Christian School of Excellence, a private Christian-based institution. 

“We are glad that God allows us to be used to turn a grievous situation into a situation that can benefit many,” Rita Ireland, founder and executive director, PPIF. “It is our prayer that we all work together in this collaboration to ensure our children's safety.”

The foundation provides training and work institutions to address child bullying in school, and trauma to prevent children from falling prey to such a regretful incident.

Ireland, who is also the mother of the deceased added that due to Liberia’s past history, children and adults are suffering from psychological impacts that must be addressed immediately. 

“For the foundation, we are concerned about the wellbeing of children and we say it is paramount in society and Liberia is not an exception,” she said.

According to her, the children of Liberia, like in many parts of the world, deserve an environment where they can grow, learn, and play without fear of violence.

“The society of Liberia children in schools and communities is a multi-complex challenge that requires a holistic approach. Liberia has made a tremendous effort through the Ministry of Education to ensure the protection of children.”

However, Ireland noted that there is still work to be done and called on the government to work with partners to address it.

“It is important for the government, civil society, and international organizations to protect the country’s most vulnerable members by providing a safe and nurturing environment. Liberia can empower its children to thrive to contribute positively to the development and progress of our nation.” 

V. Roosevelt Cassell, executive director/Lead Trainer, SEED, noted that providing psychological support to children is important because it helps to ensure that they are not just good citizens, but very impactful. 

“I am grateful that God has blessed me with the edge to impact both adults and kids. Most of us don’t know what it means to sit and counsel our children and today our children are going astray,” he said. 

He strongly recommended that the children’s law be taught in all schools and that both parents and teachers are knowledgeable about the law, so “that every teacher in the classroom has an understanding of what it is.”

“We all hope that these graduates and others who will come as we transcend to the next stage of diploma, all of you can be part.”

For her part, Felecia Somah, Assistant Minister, Bureau of Basic and Secondary Education at the Ministry of Education, encouraged the graduates to utilize the knowledge and skills gained from the program.

She pledged the government’s full support to the program.  “It is with heartfelt pleasure that I stand to present the history and impact of this program. The program has witnessed collaborative efforts.”