TrustAfrica is featured in this article about civic participation in Liberia’s poverty reduction strategy
The Daily Observer
August 12, 2009
By: Leroy M. Sonpon III
GBARNGA, BONG COUNTY—More than 500 leaders including youths, women, elders and traditional chiefs from Bong, Nimba, Margibi and Lofa counties are expected to converge at Bong County’s Administrative Building in Gbarnga to partake in the third interactive regional forum on the government’s Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS).
The forum, slated for [Wednesday], is themed “Strengthening Governance and the Rule of Law: Critical Fundamentals for Poverty Reduction in Liberia.”
The one-day event, organized by Liberia Democracy Watch (LDW), seeks to provide greater awareness of the PRS initiative, also known as “Lift Liberia.”
The Executive Director of LDW, Mr. George Wah Williams, told the Daily Observer Tuesday that participants at the forum are expected to deliberate on the challenges faced by the region within the framework of the PRS implementation and how local residents can contribute to its success.
Program facilitators include Cllr. James K. Saygbe, head of the Gbarnga Branch of Wright and Jangabah Law Firm; Bong County Attorney, Serena F. Galawolo; and Human Rights activist Joseph D. Zwagekie among others.
“Bong County Superintendent Rennie Jackson will serve as keynote speaker while, members of the Legislative Caucuses of Nimba, Bong and Margibi are expected to be in attendance,” Mr. Williams said.
He further indicated that LDW will host its fourth and final regional edition of the Lift Liberia Discourse and Awareness campaign in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County, on August 19 at the auditorium of Bassa High School.
The first LDW’s Trust Africa-Humanity United-sponsored campaign was held in Bomi County in February, while a second took place in River Gee in May.
“Liberia Democracy Watch is targeting awareness on the four pillars of the PRS—Peace and Security; Governance and the Rule of Law; Economic Revitalization; and Infrastructure and Basic Services within the four geographical regions of Liberia.
“We will be climaxing Lift Liberia’s Discourse and Awareness campaign in Grand Bassa County on Wednesday, August 19, 2009,” Mr. Williams announced.