By : Laymah Kollie
Monrovia -December 19,2023-: Liberia’s Culture Ambassador and Executive Director for the Liberia Crusaders for Peace on December 19,2023 graduated eleven (11) students from a one month comprehensive training on procurement, human resource and finance. The graduates are women Zoes who have left the practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) to obtain alternative livelihood programs and men as well.
Giving an overview of the occasion, Madam Juli Endee emphasized the institution’s commitment to fostering growth and capacity building for Liberians. The Crusaders for Peace boss stressed the intend of the movement to rebrand and offer humanitarian services to Liberians.
“Let today serve as a reminder that our journey is far from being over. The Liberia Crusaders for Peace is not merely an organization; it is a movement, a force for positive change in Liberia. As we embark on this rebranding journey, let us embrace our shared vision of becoming the preeminent National NGO for social and humanitarian services delivery in Liberia”.
Madam Endee also mentioned the 5 years plan made by women Zoes through the alternative livelihood programs to effectively work on as they exclude FGM in traditional practices.
“ I stand before you, not just as Executive Director however as a social worker, advocate women’s rights proud witness to the dedication and resilience of our remarkable staff we have developed our 5 years strategic plan with emphasis on agriculture, alternative livelihood for Women and Zoes, and awareness on alternative rites of passage” madam Endee said.
She however congratulated the students for the steps taken and encouraged them to take opportunities that strengthen their personal lives and the organization as well.
“Firstly, let me extend my heartfelt congratulations to each and everyone of you who participated in this transformative training program. Your commitment to professional development not only enhances your personal growth but also strengthens the very fabric of our organization.
As someone who has been privileged to undergo extensive training risk communication, social mobilization, community engagement and Advocacy. I am deeply grateful to the Ministry of Health, UNICEF, WHO, the UN Women and all our International Partners. To our potential donors and stakeholders present here today, your support is not just an investment in an organization; it is an investment in the future of Liberia”
Furthermore, Williametta E Saydee-Tarr , Minister of Gender Children and Social Protection commended the Liberia Crusaders for Peace and admonished the graduates to serve humanity with the skills acquired.
“Congratulations to Madam Endee, congratulations to our graduates and we hope you can use the knowledge to change your community”
Meanwhile, Eugene Winn, a beneficiary of the program applauded Madam Endee and team for the innovation while promising to serve as Ambassadors in their communities.
“We say thank you for the job well done. Knowledge gain is important. We are going to move out there as your new Ambassadors. To my team , let the team work continue”
The ceremony was graced by National and International partners, traditional leaders amongst others.
In 1994 at the peak of the Liberian civil war, the Liberia Crusaders for Peace was founded to foster peace and to bring to an end the senseless civil war. In 2001, based on the necessity to continue promulgating peace and empowering the vulnerable and the disadvantaged.
The Liberia Crusaders for Peace was officially registered as a separate legal entity to continue delivering essential social and humanitarian services to the than two decades serving communities across Liberia we proudly stand as an organization dedicated to human development, humanitarian projects and programs implementation in Liberia.