By Anthony Kolaco | Project Leader
1.0 INTRODUCTION: This update is a highlight of recent activities implemented under the above-mentioned project covering the months under review (FEBRUARY-MARCH 2019). Activities were held in Margibi County in Liberia. The report reflects the agreement between GlobalGiving and the Initiative for Democratic Alternatives (IDA)Liberia for the implementation of the project.
2.0 PLANNED ACTIVITIES FOR THE MONTHS:
2.1 Organized community mobilization and project awareness sessions
2.2. Selection of female heads of household for the pilot project
2.3 Organized orientation sessions with beneficiaries 2.4 Identified projects for beneficiaries
3.0 ACHIEVEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD UNDER REVIEW: Community mobilization and project awareness sessions: 3 community awareness sessions were organized by our project team in Minor and Effa Communities during the months under review. Bringing together over 60 female heads of households from the 2 project communities in Margibi County. The programs were aimed at providing more information to the beneficiaries, community members and provide detailed information about the roles and responsibilities of the various stakeholders in the project area.
Selection of female heads of household for the pilot project: As a way of sustainability, IDA-Liberia will empower female heads of household whose children or child are on our scholarship program; this will enable their children to continue their education in the absence of IDA- Liberia support. The selection process was based on several factors and or requirements, established by our team and the community. Participants must be a female head of household and a resident in one of the project communities. Female head of household whose child or children are benefitting from our 2019 scholarship program and are currently involved with an income generating activity to support their families IDA-Liberia support will enhance their income generating activity by providing a small revolving loan to each participant. The total of 14 women from the Minor community were selected for the pilot phase of the project.
Organized orientation session with beneficiaries and leaders: An orientation session was held in Minor community bringing together participants , community leaders, members of the Ministry of Education in the county and other local authorities.
The session brought together over 60 participants from different sectors of the community, and county. The session was chaired by IDA Liberia Program Manager, Alvin Freeman and Program Assistant ,Jennis Rue . Making a brief statement, the Program Assistant , Jennis Rue stressed the significance of the project to the community and IDA-Liberia plans to promote best gender practices in the project area , “IDA-Liberia is convinced that working with rural women and empowering them will helps to promote gender equality and promote women’s empowerment at the family and community levels”. Miss Rue noted.
Identified projects for beneficiaries: Participants and IDA-Liberia agreed on two projects that would help increased their income generating activities within the next six - twelve months and be able to sustain their children in schools after IDA-Liberia shall have left. Agriculture and petty trade, which are the most income generating activities in the project community . Most of the heads of household identified are 75-85% involved with agriculture and petty trade within their communities. The amount of $100- 150 USD will be given to each participant to begin their project which will be payback within the period of 6-12 months.
4.0 Constraints: There were few challenges that the project team encountered during the period under review. Increased in the number of female heads of household interested in the program and are calling on IDA-Liberia team to assist. IDA-Liberia is appealing to its donors and supporters to for more support to be able to reach out to as many female heads of household who are languishing in communities and need some help to improve their income generating activities . This will help to pinpoint the value added that women bring to supporting education and be able to take on the responsibility to support their families and children in school.
5.0 Recommendations / conclusion: Thanks, and appreciation to our supporters, donors, GlobalGiving, local communities and schools for the level of commitment shown towards the successful implementation of the project. As the team continued to support our beneficiaries, IDA-Liberia will continue to reach out to out donors suppor
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