A Voice for Liberia’s Children:
Pauline's Journey as a Social Worker
with UNICEF Liberia
Pauline visits Sanoe © Unicef/Vincent Tremeau/Studio Humanity
In Robertsport, Liberia, Pauline D. Nimley, a social welfare officer and head of psychosocial services, is at the forefront of advocating for children who face overwhelming challenges. Partnering with UNICEF, Pauline dedicates her days to restoring hope to children who have been abused, neglected, or marginalised, ensuring they are treated with dignity and care.
“The role we play is crucial,” Pauline says, “because these children are often victims of circumstances. They deserve care, not condemnation.”
Rescuing Children from the Margins
Pauline’s work begins where society’s support often ends: the children she supports face severe challenges, including abuse, neglect, exploitation, and stigmatisation. Many are child labourers, teen mothers, orphans, or victims of gender-based violence, mostly with limited access to education and basic necessities. Her work involves identifying cases of abuse, providing psychosocial support, ensuring access to education, and working with authorities, families and communities to foster acceptance and care for these children. Her greatest joy comes from restoring hope and dignity to children’s lives, seeing them thrive in school, participate in community activities, and overcome adversity. Pauline’s hope is to empower these children to achieve more than she has, helping to reduce cases of abuse and ensuring a future where children are protected and supported to reach their full potential.
“Most cases involve minors being harshly punished or charged as adults. It’s heartbreaking, but with UNICEF’s backing, we can ensure these children are seen for who they truly are—children,” Pauline shares.
Central Prison Monrovia, Liberia © Unicef/Vincent Tremeau/Studio Humanity
Tackling Challenges Beyond Social and Economic Struggles
Liberia’s children face daily adversity—teen mothers struggling with stigma, child labourers working to support their families, and children displaced by violence. Pauline encounters countless heartbreaking stories, from children stigmatised for their physical differences to orphans left homeless due to domestic violence. Through community engagement, psychosocial support, and education initiatives, Pauline ensures these children find a path forward.
One case stands out in her memory: an eight-year-old boy who was tied to a tree and burned as punishment for stealing food. “It’s difficult to process such cruelty,” Pauline says. “But we intervened immediately, placing the child in a safe environment and ensuring justice was served.”
A young student in Liberia © Unicef/Vincent Tremeau/Studio Humanity
“Often, I have to remind officers of the law and the rights of these children.”
A Day in the Life of Advocacy
Pauline’s work as a social worker is deeply rooted in her day-to-day activities, which focus on supporting vulnerable children and restoring their dignity. Some mornings, she meets with police officers to address cases involving minors, advocating for their rights and ensuring they are not treated as adults in the justice system. “Often, I have to remind officers of the law and the rights of these children,” Pauline says, underscoring the challenges of navigating a system that frequently overlooks the unique needs of children. By midday, she’s at a prison, advocating for proper care and separate accommodations for juveniles. “UNICEF has been pivotal in this—they’ve supported juvenile cells and even provided pathways for basic education for detained children,” she explains. Later, she might be in court, presenting behavioural assessments to judges as evidence for leniency or alternative sentencing.
Her day often continues with visiting children in replaced homes or foster care, ensuring they are adjusting well to their new environment. Pauline provides psychological support, listens to their concerns, and works to address any immediate needs they might have, from supplies to emotional care. “Checking in with these children is critical,” Pauline says. “We need to ensure they feel safe, supported, and valued in their environment.”
Robertsport, Liberia © Unicef/Vincent Tremeau/Studio Humanity
“I had to hire a motorbike and walk for hours in the rain, but when a child is involved, you don’t think twice.”
Pauline frequently travels long distances to remote areas.“Yesterday, I went to an island community to address a child’s case,” she recounts. “I had to hire a motorbike and walk for hours in the rain, but when a child is involved, you don’t think twice.” Despite the sacrifices, Pauline remains resolute. “It’s not easy. I’ve faced insults from families who feel I am interfering, but that doesn’t deter me. These children need someone to fight for them.” Through her continuous efforts, she builds trust and creates a foundation for hope, ensuring every child feels seen and heard.
The Stories That Drive Pauline
The lives of children Pauline works with are heart-wrenching, but she draws strength from their resilience. Among the many children she has helped, two cases are etched deeply in her heart.
Sanoe (left), Pauline (in the middle), Mary and Anointed, together with Pauline © Unicef/Vincent Tremeau/Studio Humanity
Mary, a 14-year-old girl, represents the harsh realities faced by children entangled in conflicts with the law. Her father, a former inmate struggling with drug addiction, has left her without a stable family environment, exposing her to marginalisation. Despite these challenges, Pauline ensures that Mary is treated with dignity, advocating for her education and access to counseling during her detention.
“Mary is bright, and I see a future for her. But we need more resources to provide her with the support she deserves,” Pauline says.
Sanoe, an albino girl, faces a unique set of challenges. In her community, myths and discrimination against albinism isolate her from peers and opportunities. “Sanoe’s story is heartbreaking,” Pauline shares. “She’s incredibly intelligent but often left out because of the stigma surrounding her condition.” Through UNICEF’s programs, Pauline has been able to connect Sanoe with counselling services and educational resources, giving her a chance to thrive. “We’re working to show her community that she’s not just different—she’s exceptional.”
Pauline’s relentless dedication includes visiting these children regularly, checking on their progress and offering encouragement. “These children are not beyond hope,” she insists. “They just need someone to believe in them.” Through her work, Pauline has witnessed the transformative power of compassion and opportunity.
“When children are given tools like education, counselling, and community support, they can overcome their circumstances. They can rewrite their stories,”
she says. And for Pauline, each child saved is a victory—not just for them but for Liberia’s future.
A Call to Action
Pauline dreams of a Liberia where every child has a safety net—families who care, a justice system that protects, and communities that nurture. “We need more support,” she says. “Without facilities for rehabilitation and programs to reintegrate children into society, their futures remain uncertain.”
Through her work, Pauline embodies the mission of UNICEF: to protect every child and ensure they have the opportunity to thrive. Her compassion, perseverance, and unyielding belief in the potential of Liberia’s youth make her a true changemaker. “These children,” she says, “deserve more than survival—they deserve a future.”
