Careysburg, Montserrado County – The charity organization ‘Change for Liberian Children and Youth (CLCY) over has celebrated its first anniversary with more support to several underprivileged children in Careysburg and other communities in Liberia.
CLCY is a registered charitable organization based in Liberia and the United States that supports the learning and development of children and youth in Liberia.
The organization was founded by B. Daniel Henderson, a United States Navy Recruiter and Instructor Petty Officers First Class BM1 (SW), who is also a native of Careysburg, on the outskirts of Liberia’s capital, Monrovia.
Speaking at the indoor program in Caresyburg on Saturday, October 12, Mr. Henderson pledged CLCY continuous commitments to transforming the lives of young people of the community and Liberia at large.
Within one year of its existence, Henderson said CLCY has undertaken several programs including provision of scholarships, financial aid and school supplies to under privileged children, health awareness for teenagers, sports and recreation, and clean water supply.
Currently, there are 16 students on full scholarship, benefitting from school supplies including uniforms, book bags, notebooks, stationery, shoes and sandals, among others.
“I am very impressed because we were able to sponsor 16 students paying their full tuition and providing basic school materials. This allows them to focus on the things that matter – education,” Henderson said.
He said there are many children from poor backgrounds who are in need of support to go to school. And if nothing is done, their future will not ruined.
He stressed the need for more support from Liberia and abroad to help the organization reach out to these underprivileged children.
“We reach out to people in the United States who sponsor these kids, about sixteen of them. Children that do not have sponsors are standing by because they need basic materials and other essential help,” he said. He thanked his staff including the President and Co-founder of CLCY, Emmanuel George Sapolucia for their selfless support to the organization.
In a special message read on behalf of Mr. Sapolicia who resides in the United States, he hailed the collective effort of the sponsor and volunteers and pledged the organization’s continuous support in reaching out to more people.
In his keynote message, the Executive Director of Empowerment Squared, Leo Lekpele Nupolu Johnson called on Liberians to work collectively to build their nation.
Mr. Johnson said if Liberia should move forward and be on par with other countries, it requires the collective effort of Liberians, not outsiders.
He disclosed that his organization is about to embark on the construction of a US$2 million learning center in Paynesville that is expected to host the first public library in Liberia and other resource centers.
He, along with his friends including Mark Stewart of Empowerment Squared Canada promised full scholarships to three students during a fundraising rally at the program.
Meanwhile, CYCY made a cash presentation to sixteen students that are currently benefitting from the scholarship and financial aid program.
Speaking on behalf the beneficiaries, little Joslia A. Kollie thanked CLCY for the support and called on others to help the organization reach out to more underprivileged children across Liberia.
Little Joslia, a talented and promising musician, along with her friends performed a beautiful song she recorded for CLCY on its first anniversary.
Mr. Henderson thanked Joslia and her colleagues for the performance and noted that she needs all of the support to discover her full potential.
About the Founder
Born and raised in Careysburg, Daniel B. Henderson fled Liberia in the early 2000s due to the civil war and went to the United States where he went to school and later joined the US Navy.
He grew up as underprivileged child and did not go to school early because his parents had no means of supporting him.
After several years, he returned home and launched CLCY to help his community including underprivileged children get access to education, something he believes is the best way to success.