PHOTO: Beneficiaries pose for picture with Orange Foundation France Vice President, Madam Elizabeth Tchoungui and UN Women France Executive Director Fanny Bendetti
By J. Peter S. Dennis, dennisrealone@gmail.com
GBARTALA, Liberia– Several women and project beneficiaries from the Sua-yelle Multipurpose Cooperative in Gbartala, Bong County continue to applaud the UN Women and Orange Foundation for their immerse impacts in their lives.
This is the latest intervention in the lives of rural women smallholder farmers and an introduction of an illiteracy program in Gbartala.
The group implementing the sponsored initiative is the Sua-yelle multipurpose cooperative-one of 16 from women pilot cooperatives targeted by UN Women under the implementation of the digital inclusion for women’s economic empowerment project with Orange Foundation.
Leading the visiting mission were the Orange Foundation France Vice President, Madam Elizabeth Tchoungui and UN Women France Executive Director Fanny Bendetti.
The mission of the group, through the Orange Foundation and UN Women, is to improve the economic and social wellbeing of members and their communities through active engagement in agriculture production, processing, and education as sources of livelihoods, income, employment and community.
Through UN Women and Orange Foundation, the group continues to break down barriers to finance, empower women to become change makers and promote solidarity and equality.
Speaking during a field visit in Gbartala in central Liberia this week, the beneficiaries (all farmers) appreciated Orange Foundation and UN Women for the sponsorship.
They told www.newspublictrust.com that through these institutions, they are able to feed their homes and cater to their children with little stress on their husbands.
They expressed their gratitude to their sponsors for the Adult Literacy program, adding, “we are able to read and write today because of your continuous support towards us. We never knew how to read and write, but today, we are different”.
Mrs. Satta S. Flomo said, “some of us never knew how to read and write- can’t spell our names, calculate our profits, etc. when we came here newly; but now, things are improving for us. I had no idea to using smart phones, but I can navigate anyone- thanks for everything.”
“Orange Money and this school have helped us to get in savings for our family. We want the program extended up to 2024,” another beneficiary echoed.
Miss Martha Jones told the gathering packed with participants and dignitaries: “Thank you for bringing this program. If you give me pen and paper now, I can clearly write. I never knew how to transact during business, but now, I’m different- thanks to UN Women and Orange Foundation.”
Another visibly excited beneficiary told the gathering: “For me today, I am not worry about receiving additional food money from my husband. I can support our home and even contribute to the decisions affecting our homes. It never used to happen. Everything is because of the program- impactful gesture.”
More and more beneficiaries could not hold back their feeling of appreciation and told the UN Women and Orange Foundation officials.
“As you spend your money, we will make use of it to benefit women,” one of the beneficiaries remarked.
One of them, Madam Gorpue Binda cheerfully intimated: “The cooperative is united and we’re moving gradually. No high school graduates can it up to me now! I want to be commissioner now because of this good program. It’s go for women to learn. I’m educating my children now- all because of your support through Sua-yelle multipurpose cooperative.”
They however, appealed for the inclusion of other women to ensure empowerment.
Speaking during the onset of the program, Musu Nana, head of the Sua-yelle multipurpose cooperative appreciated the Ministry of Agriculture for the support.
Last year, according to Nana, the Ministry of Agriculture provided a rice mall machine to enhance their operations in the county, thus appreciating the ministry for the support.
Nana disclosed that they are in 54 Communities, and have 35 Village Saving Loan Associations (VSLA) with an account of $35 millions Liberian Dollars in boxes.
She appealed to Orange Foundation to save their funds on the Orange Money platform to ensure saving keeping and accountability.
Meanwhile, UN Women Country Representative Madam Comfort Lamptey pledged their continuous support to the women, vowing to uphold the partnership.
“Your vision is bigger. We’re with you with our support. We will keep the partnership.”
Madam Elizabeth Tchounqui, Executive Director of Orange CSR and Vice President Orange Foundation said: “Orange is committed to empowering and going forward to instituting the digital system for you to transact your businesses online and get Orange Money.”
Agriculture Min. Cooper urges Cooperatives to feed Liberia in 2 years
At the same time, Liberia’s Agriculture Minister, Madam Jeanine Cooper renewed her ministry’s commitment to the group.
Madam Cooper urged the cooperatives to feed Liberia in the next two years, although she didn’t announce how and through what means when the Ministry of Agriculture is challenged.
Minister Cooper
The program was attended by scores of officials and international guests including Madam Fanny Benedetti- UN Women France Executive Director, Madam Elizabeth Tchounqui- executive Director of Orange CSR and Vice President Orange Foundation, UN Women Country Representative Madam Comfort Lamptey, Liberia’s Agriculture Minister, Hon. Jeanine Cooper, Ms. Sara Buchanan- Executive Director Orange Foundation, other county and district leaders including paramount and clan chiefs on October 4, 2022 in Gbartala, Bong County.