Monrovia –The Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA) and the Liberia Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) have dedicated a US$125,000 solar light system at the YMCA headquarters in Monrovia. The dedication ceremony took place on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, at the YMCA headquarters on Crown Hill, Broad Street. Attendees included Urban Sjöström, the Swedish Ambassador; Vonyee Newton Kolison, Acting National General Secretary of the YMCA; Edward E. Gboe, Vice Chairman of the National Board of Directors; Trocon Allen; and others.
Ambassador Sjöström described the YMCA as a “house full of energy” and expressed his satisfaction with the partnership. He highlighted that SIDA has similar collaborations with other organizations to establish sustainable energy solutions, aiming for the sustainable development of both people and the planet.
“The installation of this solar panel marks a significant step in that direction. Congratulations to the YMCA for taking this initiative. You now have the largest solar panel in the community. Good luck,” said Sjöström. “This is important because you will have a house full of energy, power, and potential; you represent the future of Liberia and the planet. At YMCA, you will have a strong voice, and we are thrilled to partner with you because we believe in you and the future.” He urged the YMCA to use the energy and their voice for sustainable development.
Edward E. Gboe, Vice Chairman of the National Board of Directors of YMCA, remarked that the YMCA has served Liberia for nearly a century and a half, celebrating its 123rd anniversary this August. “We are grateful that the institution has remained very relevant in the lives of young people and their community,” he said. He thanked SIDA for their partnership and support in serving young leaders in Liberia.
Gboe emphasized that the solar energy project represents a step towards addressing climate change at the community level. He recalled his coordination of a SIDA-sponsored YMCA feeding and literacy program in rural Liberia during the 1996 war, which provided crucial support to disadvantaged and malnourished children.
“The issue of climate change is living with us. There is flooding in our community, homes are destroyed, and lives are interrupted because of how we are managing our environment. This solar energy project is a step towards addressing these issues at a community level,” he said. He also appreciated the support for providing space for youth voices in the peacebuilding program, helping to resolve crises and mentor young people.
Vonyee Newton Kolison, Acting National General Secretary of YMCA, expressed excitement over the commissioning of the solar project, noting its significance in bringing vitality to the YMCA as they host young people in the community. She highlighted the YMCA’s implementation of a peacebuilding project in fourteen to sixteen different communities, with the solarization of their building being a crucial milestone.
“Today we are gathered to celebrate the commissioning of the solar project at the Liberia YMCA, and we are so excited because it brings much life to us, especially as we host young people in this community,” Kolison said. “We are grateful because we are taking a significant step towards sustainability and energy efficiency.”
She noted that for over twenty years, they depended on a 150 KVA generator, which consumed 135 gallons weekly, placing a heavy burden on operational costs. “Imagine, we use one hundred and thirty-five gallons weekly, and that placed a heavy burden on our operational cost.”
Kolison also extended appreciation to the outgoing CEO of YMCA and her team for their dedication to the initiative. “YMCA doors are open again, so we are going to be running our activities here from 5 to 8 pm for people in this community,” she said. “YMCA is a place to be as we celebrate our 143rd anniversary. We are not stopping here; we are going green in all of our YMCA branches.”
She assured the YMCA’s commitment to working towards a sustainable and green environment.
