Paynesville – The Liberia National Red Cross Society (LNRCS) has graduated 184 women in various skills training as part of its Women Training and Integration project launched in 2009. The training is intended to enable venerable girls and women acquire skills training.
Report by Jackson F. Kanneh – 00231770195412 / [email protected]
At the end of the eighth graduation exercise, the women received certificate in cosmetology, catering, tailoring and nutrition, after successfully completing the needed requirements.
The Women Training and Integration project otherwise known as “WIN” targets women and girls affected by the past conflict, ex-combatants, single mothers/self-supported, commercial sex workers, rape/domestic violence victims and drug users. The WIN project aims to restore the dignity, values and morals of venerable and marginalized women and girls, who live in the streets or slum communities that have not had any formal education or skills.
At the graduation ceremony, LNRCS president Jerome Clark said the Red Cross is empowering these women and girls to change the image of the country positively.
According to him, with the requisite training provided by LNRCS and partners, Liberian women can play a major role in the building process of their country.
“In the midst of all, Red Cross is helping to bring something from Liberia through program like this. Today with this training, I urge you to use your skills and make the change that we all want to see,” he noted.
The Red Cross boss challenged the beneficiaries of the project to take advantage of the training by practicalizing what they have learned. He told them that society will judge them if they fail to utilize the skills to change their community and the country.
He further told them to hold themselves responsible if they continue to sit home and just depending on their fiancés and not using acquired skills.
Making a special statement on behalf of former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former Foreign Minister Marjon Kamara, lauded LNRCS for the WIN project.
According to her, the training will help the beneficiaries achieve their goals. The former Foreign Minister admonished the beneficiaries to believe in themselves, and work as a team in order to reach their target in life.
Former Foreign Minister Kamara further admonished the women to look at the lives of successful women around the world.
“Let me thank Red Cross for the training. To the beneficiaries, you are now taking a big step to success; all you need now is to work together and make a commitment to improve your life and Liberia as a whole.”
“I want you to believe in yourself that you can make it to where you want it to be. Look at the lives of other successful women like Madam Sirleaf and challenge yourself to reach your goal,” Madam Kamara stated.
Two of the beneficiaries giving testimonies, lauded LNRCS for impacting their lives. Jenneh Morndolo and Betty Kpalleh narrated how their lives have since changed since participating in the training circle. The stated that the skills training have enabled them to provide for their respective families something according to them was impossible prior to acquiring the training. They promised to use their skills in making positive impact on the society.