Paynesville – First Lady Clar Marie Weah is seeking a partnership with the Liberia National Red Cross Society and has emphasized the need to join their humanitarian stride in the country.
“Serving humanity has been a part of me. I cannot see myself being a First Lady of the Republic of Liberia without helping my people,” said Mrs. Weah.
“As I have always said, I wasn’t pushed to do all this. When I became First Lady there were no inscriptions stating what I needed to do? I am doing what my heart has led me to do and I think it’s important for me and the Liberian people.”
Mrs. Weah added that though such efforts could not match the work of the Red Cross, it was important everyone does their part in supporting the Red Cross meet the humanitarian needs of Liberians as no one person or institution could do it all alone.
Speaking Monday, August 19, 2019, at the commemoration of World Humanitarian Day in Paynesville, Madam Weah said the LNRCS has demonstrated courage and love for humanity during the Liberia crisis, the Ebola pandemic and other forms of disasters, therefore collaborating with them is important.
She noted that partnering with LNRCS will add more flavor to her foundation’s involvement with humanitarian activities to improve the lives of Liberians.
Paramount among the projects she mentioned, were the renovation of several orphanages, the provision of regular food and non-food supplies, monthly feeding of the elderly, construction of the home of the elderly and physically challenged which is nearing completion and the city of hope now underway.
First Lady Clar Marie Weah has praised the Liberia National Red Cross Society for its numerous humanitarian initiatives aimed at restoring hope and bringing relief to thousands of residents across the country.
Mrs. Weah paid tribute to volunteers and staffers of the Red Cross Society, stressing that they risk their lives just to extend humanitarian assistance to those in dire need.
World Humanitarian Day (WHD) is held every year on 19 August to pay tribute to aid workers who risk their lives in humanitarian service, and to rally support for people affected by crises around the world.
This year, the spotlight is placed on women humanitarians, celebrating their efforts which add so much more value to the global humanitarian response.
She praised the work of female humanitarians, who according to the United Nations, make up a large number of those who risk their lives to save others around the world.
“I know during the Ebola crisis many of you the humanitarian aid workers, many of the women of Liberia risked their lives and possibly the lives of their families to reach out to people who were in need. And that’s commendable.”
For his part, the President of the Liberia National Red Cross Society, Jerome N. J. Clark II, lauded the First Lady for her visit, adding that it did not only demonstrate her interest in humanity and the work of the Red Cross but also her desire to alleviate hardship.
“We are not experiencing a major emergency and getting funding from international donors is challenging, but access to safe drinking water, improved sanitation, flooding and fire disasters, support to women and community healthcare are very crucial and uncompromising at the moment,” said Mr. Clark.
He highlighted the ongoing programs and projects of the Red Cross and called for a stronger partnership with the First Lady in addressing Liberia’s humanitarian needs.