Naymote Partners for Democratic Development has launched a transformative peace dividends project across 10 communities in Nimba and Lofa Counties. The initiative, aimed at empowering women and youth, seeks to foster peace, social cohesion, and drive positive change within these communities.
A total of 10 carefully identified and vetted peace dividend projects, five in Lofa and five in Nimba Counties, have been selected with a total cost of L$9,500,000 or US$50,000.00. This venture is a crucial component of the “Delivering Peace Dividends in Liberia” programme, funded by the United Nations Peacebuilding through the United Nations Development Programme in Liberia, says a Naymote press release..
These community-driven initiatives are led by dedicated project management committees within each locality. The committees actively participate in the identification, voting, and selection of projects deemed most essential to their communities. Furthermore, community members collaborate with traditional leaders to provide land for the peace dividend projects, demonstrating a unified commitment to their success. In many instances, communities have contributed materials such as sand and rock as a testament to their support.
The selected projects encompass a range of essential facilities, including Hand Pump construction for Nimba Youth for Peace and Development, a Women’s Center for Sheyi-Geh Women, a Training Center for the Nimba Disable Community, a Women Peace Center for Women for Peace and Development, a Youth Peace Center for the Voinjama District Youth, and a Youth Intellectual Peace Center for the United Brothers and Sisters in Zorzor.
On January 11-12, 2024, the Sugar Hill New Barrack and Zolowee Communities in the City of Sanniquellie, Nimba County, received 60% of the allocated funds to commence the construction of the Sugar Hill New Barrack Women’s Center and the Zolowee Women’s Center. Similarly, Lofa United Association of Liberia (LUBAL) and Sarmodu Confident Women Group, situated in Korwulormie and Sarmodu Communities in the City of Voinjama, received 60% payment for the construction of a Rice Mill Machine Hall, purchase of a Rice Mill Machine, and the construction of the Sarmodu Market Hall. The remaining six projects are in the process of initiation.
This project is strategically designed to uplift marginalized young people and vulnerable women, empowering them as peace champions within their communities. By addressing underlying issues such as underdevelopment, exclusion, and the risk of political manipulation, Naymote aims to provide tangible peace dividends and contribute to the overall well-being of these communities.
In the initial phase, Naymote trained and provided direct financial support to over 100 women and youth engaged in small businesses, serving as peace ambassadors in marginalized communities in Lofa and Nimba counties.
William S. Mardein, Focal Person for the County Steering Committee in Nimba County, expressed gratitude, stating, “The Sugar Hill Community’s Women’s Center is a testament to the realization of our past discussions. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Naymote and UNDP for this impactful project and assure full monitoring and evaluation.”
Kou Thompson, Chairlady of Zolowee Community, welcomed the Women’s Center, saying, “This means more to us as women of Zolowee Community. We thank Naymote and UNDP for their efforts in acquiring this center for us.”
Varflee Kamara from Lofa United Blind Association of Liberia (LUBAL) expressed appreciation, stating, “We are grateful to Naymote for this unique opportunity. The purchase of the Rice Mill Machine and the construction of the Rice Mill Hall will significantly enhance our post-harvest processes.”
Naymote and UNDP remain committed to fostering sustainable positive change in Liberia, working collaboratively with communities to empower and uplift those most in need.