PAYNESVILLE — The Liv Grosser Foundation International has launched a scholarship fundraising campaign aimed at supporting hundreds of underprivileged children living in some of Liberia’s slum communities.
By J.H. Webster Clayeh — [email protected]
The fundraising launch, held over the weekend at the Golden Key Hotel in Paynesville, outside Monrovia, brought together government officials, civil society representatives, parents and children.
Speaking at the ceremony, Cletus N. Togba, Executive Director of the Liv Grosser Foundation International, said the organization is committed to changing the trajectory of lives in Liberia by meeting people at the point of their greatest need and walking with them toward lasting stability.
According to Togba, transformation occurs when faith, practical skills, and community support work together, noting that the foundation’s programs are designed to address the whole person, including their spirit, livelihood, health, home and neighborhood.
“Our mission is to empower Liberians through faith, education, agriculture, healthcare, housing, and community development combining spiritual encouragement with tangible resources so that individuals and families can build sustainable, dignified futures for themselves,” Togba stated.
“Change is holistic. Lasting impact requires attention to faith, mind, body, and livelihood together not any one in isolation. Dignity comes first. Every program is designed to equip and empower, not create dependency,’’ he intimated.
Togba pointed out that the foundation remains focused on faith, spiritual encouragement and discipleship, which are woven throughout its various programs.
He said the organization’s education component seeks to improve access to schooling through tuition support and learning resources for children and young people.
Serving as the keynote launcher of the program, Deputy Minister for Research, Policy and Planning at the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Curtis V. Dorley, praised the foundation’s Executive Director for initiating the scholarship program.
Deputy Minister Dorley said the launch represents more than the establishment of a new initiative, describing it as the activation of a potential catalyst for sustainable development, community welfare, and profound social transformation.
“I am proud to state that your programs, through your six vital pillars, are in direct alignment with our national development agenda-specifically the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development and the National Gender Policy-which focus on agriculture, healthcare, inclusive development, social protection and behavior change, among others,” Deputy Minister intoned.
“We know that a community cannot reach its full potential when half of its population is locked out of decision-making, economic opportunities and leadership,” he averred.
According to Deputy Minister Dorley, the organization’s pillars seek to advance gender equality by breaking down systemic barriers, ensuring equal access to resources, and amplifying the voices of women and girls so they can serve as equal architects of Liberia’s collective future.
“Children’s issues are everybody’s issues, and our society is ultimately judged by how it treats its children. Every child deserves to grow up free from exploitation, abuse and neglect. They deserve safe environments, quality care and the freedom to dream without boundaries. Protecting our children is not just a monil obligation, it is ajvm vital investment,” he intoned.
“The pillars of the organization will uplift, empower and transform the lives of those who need it most: women, children, the elderly, persons with disabilities and other marginalized groups,” he added.
