History

Liberia has witnessed two civil wars, the First Liberian Civil War (1989–1996), and the Second Liberian Civil War (1999–2003).  These wars have been classified as the most brutal of civil wars to have surfaced in the history of West Africa.  They claimed the lives of more than 200,000 Liberians and displaced a million others into refugee camps in neighboring countries.  The wars left behind debilitating effects for those fortunate to have survived.  Eighty-six percent of Liberia's work force became unemployed; thousands of families were torn apart, leaving orphans with little or no support; and the educational system and schools were severely damaged. Girls were distinctively and disproportionately affected, having been abused physically and mentally in unimaginable ways. 

Yet, today, Liberian girls are conquering their past and looking forward.  They are partnering with Candace Girls to help create in them a better future, one that far surpasses their history.