2015, Abraham M. Keita (17), Liberia
Abraham M. Keita, or Keita for short, was born during Liberia’s brutal civil war. His father, a driver for a humanitarian organization, was killed in an ambush when Keita was only five years old.Keita grew up in extreme poverty with his mother and siblings in West Point, the largest slum of Liberia’s capital, Monrovia. Although the civil war ended in 2003, it left deep scars in society and its impact continues to be felt today.
Keita’s action
Keita was just 9 years old when he was first moved to speak out. Outraged by the rape and murder of a 13 year old girl in his community, he took part in a peaceful protest demanding that the perpetrators – her foster parents – be brought to trial. Making an impression on his peers, Keita was invited to join the Liberian Children’s Parliament, where his passion for advocacy was nurtured.
The Children’s Rights Act
Keita embraced his membership of the children’s parliament, organizing peaceful marches and calling on the Liberian government to respect children’s rights. In 2012 his efforts were rewarded with the signing into law of the Children’s Act. He also lobbied successfully for direct national funding of children’s participation, and continues to lobby for free quality primary and secondary education for all.
The Ebola crisis
In 2014 a 15 year old boy was shot dead by armed forces during a peaceful protest in Keita’s neighborhood against blockades set up to contain the Ebola virus. Keita organized a second march to demand that the government take responsibility for the teenager’s death. The march sparked national debate, and because of Keita, the government was forced to acknowledge its culpability.
"No violence against children is justifiable and all violence against children is preventable."
- ABRAHAM M. KEITA, 2015 WINNER INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN'S PEACE PRIZE
Help young changemakers like Abraham
Somewhere in the world, a young person is standing up for others. Your support helps their voice reach further and their impact grow.