Monrovia – Catholic Relief Services (CRS) in collaboration with Liberia National Student Union (LINSU), Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA), and the Federation of Liberian Youth (FLY) through the USAID-Supported the Youth for Peace (Y4P) Activity, recently organized a week-long National Inter-High School Peace Debate Championship in Montserrado County from June 18-21. The event, themed “Enhancing young peacebuilders through an intellectual exchange,” brought together four secondary high schools with peace clubs established by CRS, aiming to empower high school students with the skills and knowledge needed to become agents of positive change in Liberia.

The championship, a part of CRS’s effort to build the intellectual and peacebuilding capacity of students in Montserrado, Bong, Margibi, and Nimba Counties saw the participation of a total of 180 individuals, including key stakeholders, representatives from the Ministry of Education, donors, career counselors, motivational speakers students, debaters, and school administrators, with 84 participants hailing from Nimba, Bong, Margibi, and Montserrado. The five-day debate competition featured various activities such as edutainment sessions, career coaching, and sports for peace, and culminated in the grand finale of the debate.
The participating schools, including St. Lawrence Catholic High School of Nimba County, St. Martin Catholic High School of Bong County, Lango Lippaye High School of Margibi County, and United Dawah Ummah High School of Montserrado County, showcased their intellectual prowess and commitment to peacebuilding. In the grand finale, United Dawah Ummah High School emerged as the winner, engaging in a compelling debate against St. Martin Catholic High School on the topic: “Individuals have a moral obligation to intervene when witnessing a crime.” St. Martin Catholic High School secured the first runner-up position, followed by St. Lawrence Catholic High School in third place, and Lango Lippaye High School in fourth place.

During the trophy presentation, the CRS Country representative, Abena Amerormey, praised the articulative skills of the debaters and expressed hope that activities like the debate will inspire the students’ career paths, reaffirming the significance of such initiatives in nurturing the next generation of peacebuilders in Liberia.

“These experiences will stay with you for the rest of your life, in your thoughts and decisions you will make in your career choices and growth for yourself. One day you will sit back and reflect that because of the capacity you developed from your participation in the debate, you will say to yourself “I am now a lawyer, judge or researcher”.

The National Inter-High School Peace Debate Championship stands as a testament to the dedication of CRS, USAID, and collaborating organizations in promoting peace and empowering the youth to drive positive change in Liberia.

Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and WaterAid collaborated to celebrate Community Day, focusing on improving children’s nutrition. The annual Community Day is an event CRS hosts every year to give back to the communities around where the office is located, going beyond regular project activities to make a positive impact in the lives of community members.

This year, the Community Day celebration held at the PHP/Unification Park had a special focus – impacting children through improved nutrition. The main event was a free locally grown fruit and vegetable distribution exercise, aimed at educating children about the importance of a varied fruit diet and encouraging them to regularly consume local fruits.

Children living and attending school in and around the Soniwein community were given the opportunity to eat and learn about locally fresh and healthy fruits and vegetables, free of charge for the day. This initiative boosted sales for local producers and introduced children to a variety of fruits that promote healthy living.

In an overview statement, CRS Nutrition Senior Project Officer, Theophilus Davis emphasized CRS’ commitment to improving nutrition and community welfare, saying, “As an International Humanitarian Organization, CRS is dedicated to giving back to the communities we serve outside regular project activities. We celebrate Community Day every year to demonstrate our commitment to this cause. This year, we are focused on improving children’s nutrition, and the locally grown fruit and vegetable distribution exercise was a key activity to achieve this goal.”

Victoria Torlo Koiquah, Funding Manager, WaterAid Liberia added, “We are proud to have collaborated with Catholic Relief Services to make a difference in the lives of children in the Soniwein community. By providing access to fresh and healthy fruits and vegetables, we are contributing to the well-being of these children and promoting the consumption of locally grown produce.”

The Community Day celebration showcased how collective efforts like this can promote healthy living among children and the community.

BUCHANAN, Grand Bassa County – Catholic Relief Services (CRS), in collaboration with the government of Liberia and the National Fortification Alliance (NFA) of Liberia, recently concluded a three-day strategic workshop aimed at addressing chronic malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies in Liberia.

The workshop, held from May 22–24, 2024, brought together approximately twenty-seven representatives from the private and public sectors, civil society organizations, developmental partners, and the media. The workshop focused on reviewing the NFA’s structures, identifying gaps, defining stakeholders’ roles and responsibilities, and developing strategic priorities for the NFA’s 2024–2025 work plan.

Chronic malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies continue to pose a significant public health concern in Liberia, with the nation at risk of losing substantial individual and national economic potential as well as facing premature death and disability. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the workshop focused on the importance of food fortification, which involves adding essential vitamins and minerals to commonly consumed staple food products. This approach has been identified as one of the most cost-effective means of addressing malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies.

Speaking at the beginning of the three-day strategic workshop, Mr. Rufus Kakar, the Chairperson of the National Food Fortification Alliance (NFA) of Liberia, emphasized the pivotal role of food fortification in ensuring the well-being of the people of Liberia. He points out the aim of the strategic workshop and the need for the government and other relevant stakeholders to prioritize food fortification for the benefit of the Liberian population. He highlighted the historicity of the NFA and the aim of the strategic workshop.

“We are here to identify specific points and the work plan regarding the activities of the NFA.
Also, we are here to reawaken the steering committee in various ministries and agencies to understand their roles and develop strategic priorities for the NFA’s 2024–2025 work plan. Stated Mr. Kakar

During the workshop, stakeholders revised the Five-Year Multi-Sectorial Nutrition Costed Strategic Plan of Liberia, reviewed the roles and responsibilities of key line ministries and agencies in the NFA, and developed a draft of activities, a work plan, and a budget for each sub-committee. The outcome of this workshop included the development of the NFA strategic action plan and budget for 2024 and 2025, as well as the strengthening and enhancement of awareness and collaboration among NFA members.

Speaking at the closure of the workshop, Mr. Kansualism B. Kansuch, the Director General of the Liberia Standard Authority, emphasized the institution’s commitment to start a vigorous awareness exercise to inform the public about food fortification standards.

“I can assure you that in the next few months, we are going to start a vigorous awareness exercise so that everyone in the country can be aware of the food fortification standards. Then we can start enforcement about the standard.” Said Mr. Kanuah.

Moreover, Mr. Sunday J. Kerkula, Technical Desk Officer of NFA, appreciated the technical support provided by all stakeholders and the large food fortification initiatives in Liberia sponsored by Catholic Relief Services. He also appeals to all stakeholders to support the implementation of strategic priorities for the NFA’s 2024–2025 work plan.

With the development of the NFA strategic action plan and budget for 2024 and 2025, as well as the strengthened collaboration among NFA members, the workshop has laid a solid foundation for tangible progress in addressing these pressing public health concerns.

By bringing together key stakeholders and facilitating constructive discussions, CRS and its partners are taking a proactive approach to combating these pressing public health issues. The NFA and its partners are now prepared and committed to implementing the strategic action plan to improve the health and well-being of the people of Liberia.

PAYNESVILLE – It was moment of relief and joy for the residents of New Life Community in Johnsonville, a suburb of Monrovia, when the charitable organization Catholic Relief Services (CRS) inaugurated and officially transferred a state-of-the-art water facility to the community.

By Gerald C. Koinyeneh – gerald.koinyeneh@frontpageafricaonline.com

During the handover event, CRS Country Manager for Liberia, Abena Amedormey said the water project significantly contributes to the government’s endeavors in delivering clean water to the Liberian population. Acknowledging Liberia’s limited Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) infrastructure and services despite the abundance of water resources, Amedormey pointed out the current imbalance in water supply and sanitation services in urban areas. While some regions are equipped with piped water supply and sewerage systems, underserved communities lack access to these fundamental services.

Madam Amedormey highlighted the multiple challenges faced by women and girls due to the lack of access to clean and safe water. Fetching water for household use is often deemed a female responsibility in Liberia, resulting in long walks to retrieve water, usage of unclean water leading to health issues, and missed economic opportunities.

Addressing these challenges, CRS formulated the “Helping to Elevate the Lives of People in Small Cities (HELPS)” project, which aligns with Liberia’s development agenda in the WASH sector.

Under this initiative, CRS Liberia selected Margibi and Montserrado counties to construct two modern water supply facilities. The first facility, located in Kakata, Margibi County, has already been handed over to the government and is actively serving the community.

Amedormey took the occasion to extend gratitude to the CRS project team, led by Theophilus Davis, for their dedicated efforts. She also expressed appreciation for the local implementing partner (ECREP), the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation (LWSC), and the National WASH Commission for their technical support and supervision that ensured the successful completion of the project. She further acknowledged the contributions of NEIAMA Engineering, the contractor responsible for bringing the project’s vision to fruition.

“As CRS entrusts this modern and functional water facility to the government, we hold the belief that both the government and the community will collaborate to sustain the operation and maintenance of this facility, ensuring continued access to clean and safe water supply for our people,” Amedormey remarked.

Despite its lush rainforests, Liberia faces challenges in delivering clean drinking water to all its citizens, with major water sources primarily concentrated within parts Monrovia.

The event was graced by Alphonso Gaye, the Managing Director of the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation (LWSC), and Bobby Whitfield, the Chairman and CEO of the Liberia Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Commission. In separate remarks, both Gaye and Whitfield thanked CRS for the facility and called on the community to take ownership of the project.

Providing an overview of the project, CRS Senior Project Officer, Theophilus Davis, expressed gratitude to Madam Amedormey for guiding the Liberia Country Team in securing funding for the project. Mr. Davis commended Amedormey’s role in developing a compelling proposal that earned CRS funding for Liberia. Davis further recognized the Government of Liberia, represented by LWSC and WASH, for their unwavering technical support from the project’s inception to completion.

He also extended appreciation to community leaders whose invaluable support was instrumental in the project’s execution, including individuals who donated portions of their land for the water facility’s construction.

The solar-powered facility, equipped with a self-contained water kiosk, is designed to produce affordable clean drinking water for the community. Managed by a team of trained community members, the facility embodies a sustainable approach towards ensuring ongoing access to clean and safe water supply.

In response, the community’s Chairman expressed gratitude to CRS for the facility and pledged the community’s commitment to responsible management and upkeep of the resource.

The ceremony concluded with a shared aspiration for continued access to sustainable clean and safe water supply, reflecting the collective determination to transform lives through this vital initiative.

Monrovia – Catholic Relief Services (CRS), in partnership with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Federation of Liberian Youth (FLY), and the Young Ambassador for Peace (YAP), organized activities over the weekend to commemorate this year’s International Youth Day. The event aimed to empower youth with knowledge, skills, and resources to drive positive change in their communities.

By Francis G. Boayue

This year’s International Youth Day carried the global theme: “Green Skills for Youth: Towards a Sustainable World.” The group kicked off the event on Friday, August 12, 2023, with an indoor activity at the University of Liberia Auditorium. The event attracted an enthusiastic audience of young minds eager to learn about green living, clean water, sanitation, affordable energy, and creating cleaner cities and communities. Distinguished speakers took the stage, focusing on promoting green skills among the youth.

In his remarks, Mr. Jim Wright, USAID Mission Director, reiterated the importance of the global theme for this year’s International Youth Day. He emphasized the need for Liberia’s young people to live in a sustainable and environmentally friendly world, especially considering the existential threat of climate change. Mr. Wright highlighted the crucial role youth must play in effectively addressing this threat and creating a more sustainable world.

However, Mr. Wright also used the occasion to express concern about recent violence between supporters of the Unity Party and the CDC ahead of Liberia’s general and presidential elections. He called on Liberians, particularly the youth, to commit themselves to a peaceful and violence-free election. Mr. Wright stressed that the future of Liberia rests on the shoulders of its youth, and it is their responsibility to ensure the preservation of peace both before and after the election.

One of the event’s highlights was a panel discussion featuring green entrepreneurs, environmentalists, religious leaders, and government officials. They shared their experiences and expertise in working towards a sustainable world. The ideas presented during the discussion inspired the youth, showcasing the potential each individual has to contribute to a greener future.

Reflecting on the event, CRS Country Manager Abena Amedormey stated, “At CRS, we firmly believe in the potential of Liberia’s youth. We are pleased to provide young people with the necessary tools and opportunities to become positive agents of change in their communities.”

On the morning of August 12th, the celebration continued with an outdoor beach clean-up activity at Sophie Beach in Congo Town. Young volunteers from the community and various organizations in Liberia came together to contribute to a healthier living environment, demonstrating their dedication to environmental protection. As volunteers donned gloves and picked up rakes and shovels, the beach echoed with laughter, symbolizing their commitment to maintaining a clean and safe environment.

During a community green pledge to promote a cleaner and healthier environment, Mr. Ridley Fomuso, CEO of Hysaa Liberia Inc, a prominent waste management company, reiterated their commitment to supporting the community’s efforts. “We recognize the potential of the community youth, and we are excited to collaborate with them,” Mr. Fomuso affirmed. “Our company is dedicated to working hand-in-hand with various community youth to purchase plastic waste from them. This initiative will not only empower the youth economically but also aligns with our shared goal of creating a cleaner, healthier environment.”

Upon concluding the clean-up exercise, Catholic Relief Services generously donated waste bins to the community and other partner organizations. The collaborative spirit demonstrated by these organizations underscored the significance of collective efforts in protecting the planet for future generations. This year’s International Youth Day celebration serves as a remarkable demonstration of the power of youth engagement in building a sustainable world.

MONROVIA – As Liberia continues its transitioning process from the scars of the 14-year of civil unrest which also affected the country’s youthful populations, the issues of sexual abuse and addiction to dangerous substances based on ignorance are now taking hold of Liberian society.

As a result, the government and various international partners and charitable institutions have now seen the negative impact of such lifestyles, in which an entire generation faces complete breakdown in the ghetto, while some females are being used as sex workers.

With passion and desire to help the government remedy the situation, the USAID-supported Youth for Peace (Y4P) Activity being implemented by the Catholic Relief Services (CRS) on Monday, October 17 held a one-day dialogue with some disadvantaged youth in Monrovia.

CRS calls them Opportunity Youths to remove the stigma of their past or current life and inspire them for a better future.

With support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Y4P Activity which is a three year-initiative is aimed at “helping youths from disadvantaged backgrounds and conflict-affected communities contribute to peace within their communities.”

At a roundtable attended by the United States Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission, Joel Maybury and other Representatives from USAID, and the CRS Country Manager, Abena Amedormey, opportunity youths used the occasion to explain their ordeals and called on the government and partners to holistically address drug abuse issues.

Explaining in detail, the disadvantaged youths, in a more passionate tone said, “Some of us were not like this. Some of us are also high school graduates but were forced to adapt to such a lifestyle by friends and to be honest, we are tired of living like this.”

Continuing, they said: “What is more frustrating is the fact that we are making the drug sellers and their children rich while we keep spoiling and doing all kinds of things daily. We hope and pray that the U.S. Government and other partners including the CRS can help rehabilitate and reintegrate us to become better people in society.”

When quizzed about the impact of past and current governments on their lives ahead of the upcoming 2023 general elections, the youths said, “We have always been marginalized by government in government out with no hope or care.”

“Every election, they will come to us, lie, and make big promises and at the end of the day, once they get into power, they will neglect and forget about us. Even when we see them in the street, they normally act like they don’t know us from anywhere.

“And some of us during the campaign, because of hunger and eagerness for cash, were also forced and used by politicians to carry on acts that would or might have destabilized the country’s peace and brought about chaos in Liberia,” the youths said.

Meanwhile, the youths, at the same time pleaded with the U.S. Government, USAID, and CRS to initiate a quick impact project that will enable them to talk to their colleagues about the importance of leaving their bad habits as well as becoming ambassadors for peace ahead of Liberia’s crucial 2023 general elections.

The youth who never held back their aspiration and joy for the gathering stated, “We are all happy today that some of us can get this opportunity to be sitting and talking with the Deputy Chief of Mission and we hope that you can help us with the needy support that will enable us to change.”

They also named the issues of funding, the creation of community centers, technical and skills training as well as empowerment programs as some of the quick-impact projects needed. They used the time to extoll the CRS team for the level of support and opportunity given them to change in becoming an Ambassador for peace in Liberia.

Though analysts believe Liberia is not a significant transit country for illicit narcotics, the country’s weak law enforcement capacity, porous borders, and proximity to major drug transit routes have contributed to the increase in drugs trafficking, according to the United States Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs’ 2017 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR).

But in response to their ordeals, the Deputy Chief of Mission, Joel Maybury assured the disadvantaged youths of the Embassy’s fullest support to work with USAID and CRS as means to help initiate a quick impact project in the soonest possible time.

Ambassador Maybury assured that he will engage other partners in their interest on grounds that disadvantaged youth in most places around the world can be influenced by political parties by giving them financial assistance or whatsoever during the electioneering period.  

“We have heard about violence during elections and the youth can be agents to steer things up and that’s not good. Disadvantaged youth can be very vulnerable to accept money to spoil or go out to do violent things in elections so there is a need for them to be rehabilitated,” he said.

He stressed that there was a need to work with other international partners to make timely and meaningful interventions to help the youth to play positive roles in the 2023 elections.”

He added, “We need to put things in some small businesses because all these young people have the potential to do small businesses. Liberians can start things small and do better and it will help them own something and they will not be used to instigate violence.”

For her part, CRS Liberia Country Manager, Abena Amedormey extolled USAID for the support given over the year, saying the Activity was a laudable venture.

Madam Amedormey said the youths have great opportunities and a bright future and vowed to continue working with them in making sure that their lives are improved and transformed.

The CRS is an international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. Founded in 1943 by the Bishops of the U.S, the agency provides assistance to people in more than 110 countries and territories in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe.

In Liberia, as in the rest of the CRS world, overcoming challenges is a long process, but changing people’s lives is not. The country program targets local communities in close collaboration with the Government of Liberia, the Catholic Church, and other partners to ensure that the success of our interventions is rapid and most importantly, sustainable.

CRS’ works in Liberia over the years have included both emergency response and development programming. In 2016, after intense focus on the Ebola outbreak, CRS Liberia progressed from recovery activities and began implementing development programming in thematic areas including peace-building and economic empowerment.

The country program has projects that cut across these areas with a specific focus on women, youth, community health, and systems strengthening. As with all other CRS country programs worldwide, CRS Liberia continues to provide relief services when emergencies arise.