Empowering Liberia’s Girls to Build a Brighter Future

On this International Day of the Girl Child, USAID celebrates the incredible success stories like that of Joyce Amponsah, a 15-year-old from Zorgowee, Nimba County, Liberia. With the support of Breakthrough ACTION and USAID’s commitment to adolescent health, Joyce has transformed her life and is building a brighter future for herself and her community.

Joyce is a graduate of the Girls’ Adolescent Health Club in her village, an initiative supported by USAID funding that aims to promote healthier behaviors and life skills among young people. Liberia has one of the highest teenage pregnancy rates in the world, with 1 in 3 girls becoming pregnant before the age of 18. Programs like Breakthrough ACTION are crucial in addressing this challenge, equipping thousands of girls with the tools they need to avoid early pregnancy, stay in school, and protect themselves from sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Before joining the health club, Joyce struggled in school and often clashed with her mother. “I gave my mother a lot of trouble and even failed sixth grade,” Joyce explains. But through the Girls’ Adolescent Health Club, she learned valuable life lessons and received the support and mentorship she needed to make better decisions. The club teaches young girls to abstain from sex until they are ready, and for those who are already sexually active, it provides education on how to avoid unintended pregnancies and STIs.

“Since I joined the club and graduated, things slowly began to get better for me,” Joyce says. She now excels in her studies and is determined to complete her education. Joyce’s boyfriend, a graduate of the Boys’ Adolescent Health Club, shares her goals, and together they plan to finish school and build a future free from the challenges that many adolescents in Liberia face.

The impact of USAID’s Breakthrough ACTION is clear. In Liberia, the program has reached over 32,000 adolescents through health clubs like Joyce’s, directly reducing the rates of teenage pregnancy and improving school retention among girls. By providing young people with the knowledge and support they need, USAID is helping to break the cycle of poverty and empower the next generation of leaders.

On this International Day of the Girl Child, Joyce’s story is a testament to the positive impact that USAID programs are having on the lives of girls across Liberia. By fostering health, education, and empowerment, USAID is ensuring that Liberia’s girls can take charge of their futures and contribute to the nation’s progress.