CHI Celebrates 10th Anniversary with SRHR Jamboree
By: Laymah Kollie
Monrovia: A women’s rights non-profit organization, Community Healthcare Initiative (CHI) during the weekend celebrated ten years of services to the Liberian community. The celebration was marked by education, awareness and entertainment on Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR).
In an effort to promote safer sexual practices, free condoms were distributed to the attendees of the jamboree. This initiative was instrumental in highlighting the importance of safe sex and preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unwanted pregnancies among young people.
This past Friday, an extraordinary event unfolded that brought together over 400 young individuals, both in and out of school, for a day filled with fun, learning, and empowerment.
The event was also graced by the presence of various influential partners including notable International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGOs) such as ActionAid, IRC, Plan, and others. Their participation underscored the significance of the day and the collective commitment to youth empowerment. Moreover, the event saw the involvement of key government sectors including the Ministry of Health, Gender and Youth, and Sports, showcasing a united front in addressing the health and well-being of the younger generation.
Also Liberian musicians including Anitram, Faithvonic of Africa, Cjay and Rosha Soul rocked the stage and join the awareness around SRHR issues.
During the ceremony, Madam Naomi Tulay-Solanke, Executive Director of Community Healthcare Initiative applauded the Liberian Community, Supporters and Donors for their contribution to the organization over the years.
Madam Solanke also pledged her institution’s commitment to working in the valuable interest of the community. “We’re hitting a major milestone – 10 years of impactful work, and it’s all been possible because of YOU. Your support and contributions mean the world to us, and we’re deeply grateful”, she noted.
Prior to the SRHR Jamboree, CHI 10th anniversary began with Community Engagement Events, Media Rounds, Youth Engagement Activities, and a Pleasure Evening Celebrating SRHR.
The celebration is expected to climax with a grand finale of official program wrapping up a decade of impact on the 29th at CHI’s main office in Marshall.
CHI Executive Director expressed her excitement about progress made by the organization so far, while encouraging others to join their celebration. “We’re so excited to celebrate this journey with you. See you there”.
National partners including WONGOSAL, ARN network, Help a Mother and Newborn, Sister for Sister PAYOWI, and ORWOCH were also present, contributing their expertise and support. Their participation highlighted the collaborative effort in tackling issues related to sexual and reproductive health among the youth.
One of the standout features of the Jamboree was the open invitation to vendors to set up booths at the venue for free. This initiative did not only provid a platform for local businesses to showcase their products and services but also offered the attendees a wide array of resources. Among these were family planning and contraceptive booths, where young people had the opportunity to learn about different contraceptive methods and family planning strategies in a supportive and non-judgmental environment.
Furthermore, the event featured guidance counselors who were available to answer any questions related to sexual and reproductive health. This was a crucial aspect of the Jamboree, as it provided a safe space for young people to seek advice and information on topics that are often considered taboo or difficult to discuss.
Community Healthcare Initiative is a registered non-governmental organization founded 2014 in Liberia. CHI prime mandate is to strengthen and promote healthcare, social services, women’s Rights; child rights especially girls including persons living with disability and sexual minorities in Liberia.
